Hip and Knee Pain Treatment – Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hip and knee pain?

Hip and knee pain commonly develops from osteoarthritis, cartilage degeneration, tendon injuries, bursitis, ligament injuries, and joint inflammation. Prior injuries, overuse, aging, and biomechanical stress on the joints may also contribute to progressive pain and stiffness.

When should I see a specialist for hip or knee pain?

You should consider evaluation if pain persists longer than several weeks, interferes with walking, exercise, or sleep, or does not improve with rest, medications, physical therapy, or activity modification. Early evaluation can help prevent worsening joint damage.

What non-surgical treatments are available for hip and knee pain?

Many patients improve with conservative treatment, including:

• Physical therapy and strengthening programs
• Activity modification and joint protection strategies
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Bracing or support devices
• Weight management and low-impact exercise

When these treatments fail to provide sufficient relief, interventional procedures may be recommended.

Knee Injections for Arthritis

What are knee injections for arthritis?

Knee injections are minimally invasive treatments used to reduce inflammation and improve joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These injections are typically performed under imaging guidance to ensure accurate placement within the joint.

Common options include:

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) to improve joint lubrication
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in select cases

When are knee injections medically necessary?

Knee injections may be considered medically necessary when patients have:

• Symptomatic knee osteoarthritis confirmed clinically and/or by imaging
• Persistent pain that limits daily activities or function
• Failure of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, exercise programs, activity modification, bracing, or anti-inflammatory medications
• Ongoing symptoms despite appropriate non-surgical care

These injections are part of a stepwise treatment approach to reduce pain and improve mobility while avoiding or delaying surgery when possible.

Viscosupplementation for Knee Osteoarthritis

What is viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the knee joint. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in the joint and may improve mobility and reduce arthritis-related pain.

When is viscosupplementation medically necessary?

Viscosupplementation may be recommended when:

• Patients have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
• Conservative treatments have failed to adequately control pain
• Oral medications or anti-inflammatory drugs provide limited relief or cannot be used long-term
• The patient is attempting to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery

These injections are commonly performed as a series of injections depending on the specific medication used.

Hip Pain Treatment Without Surgery

Can hip pain be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many cases of hip pain can be treated successfully without surgery using a combination of conservative and interventional treatments.

Non-surgical treatment options may include:

• Physical therapy and strengthening
• Activity modification
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Image-guided hip joint injections

What are hip joint injections?

Hip joint injections deliver medication directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and help relieve pain. They are often used for conditions such as:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Labral irritation
• Hip joint inflammation
• Diagnostic evaluation of hip pain

These procedures are typically performed under fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance for accuracy.

Genicular Nerve Blocks for Chronic Knee Pain

What is a genicular nerve block?

A genicular nerve block is a minimally invasive procedure that targets the small sensory nerves around the knee joint responsible for transmitting pain signals.

This treatment may be used for patients with:

• Chronic knee arthritis pain
• Persistent knee pain after knee replacement
• Severe knee pain not responding to conservative treatment

When is a genicular nerve block medically necessary?

Genicular nerve blocks may be recommended when:

• Chronic knee pain significantly limits function
• Conservative treatments such as medications, therapy, and injections have not provided adequate relief
• The patient is not a candidate for surgery or wishes to delay surgery

If the diagnostic nerve block provides significant relief, radiofrequency ablation may be performed to provide longer-lasting pain control.

How long do injection treatments last?

Pain relief varies depending on the underlying condition and treatment type. Some injections provide relief for several days or weeks to several months, and repeat treatments may be part of an ongoing pain management plan.

Are these procedures safe?

Image-guided interventional pain procedures are commonly performed and generally well tolerated. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks such as bleeding, infection, or temporary pain flare, but serious complications are uncommon.