2023-12-25 06:08:52
For knee problems such as inflammation, the medical procedure of knee infiltration can be considered to relieve the pain, but can this medical procedure cause pain and an inability to walk for a while?
What is a knee infiltration?
Knee infiltration is a medical procedure that involves injecting medication directly into the knee joint to soothe inflammation and pain. This intervention can have two main objectives: diagnosticto determine the source of the pain, and therapeutic, when standard treatments (such as rest and analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications) have not provided sufficient relief to the patient. If initial steps fail to alleviate the painful symptoms, infiltration then becomes a possible option.
The infiltration process is brief and requires a certain amount of expertise. It is generally a short act, lasting approximately 10 minutes, for which the patient lies on his back. In some cases, a local anesthetic may be administered to minimize discomfort. The knee will be positioned slightly bent during the procedure.
To optimize the precision of the intervention, imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or radiography, is regularly used. This radio-guided infiltration technique confirms the route and location of the needle in real time, thus improving the accuracy and efficiency of the infiltration.
In which cases should infiltration of the knee be performed?
In sports medicineit is common to resort to infiltration to soothe inflammation and pain following trauma or joint damage common among athletes. In this context, knee swelling is often caused by excessive stress or direct impact.
Likewise, in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritisinfiltrations can be carried out to reduce pain and inflammation when standard treatments are not enough to control symptoms.
In the presence of osteoarthritiswhich manifests itself in particular by joint pain, infiltration is also a therapeutic option. We can consider the use of corticosteroids in case of significant swelling to quickly reduce inflammation. In cases where osteoarthritis is accompanied by pain without apparent swelling, viscosupplementation infiltration may be indicated to improve mobility and reduce pain by simulating the properties of human synovial fluid.
What are the side effects ?
The durability of the effectiveness of these infiltrations varies, but can provide comfort for several weeks, thus offering respite from intense pain and functional discomfort. However, relying on this method repetitively is not advised. The lack of improvement after an infiltration suggests the need for alternative treatment. From a medical point of view, it is estimated that it is possible to perform up to three infiltrations annually on the same joint.
That said, infiltrations are not devoid of undesirable effects, with cases where the Pain may temporarily increase for one to two days following the procedure. In this situation, the use of anti-inflammatories may be necessary until the reaction subsides and the benefits of the infiltration become apparent.
Other side effects, which remain relatively rare, but need to be mentioned:
- vagal discomfort
- a drop in tension
- dizziness and palpitations
- a flush, marked by facial redness
- hot flashes accompanied by headaches
- an infection at the injection site
What precautions should be taken after the operation?
As a precaution, it is advisable to monitor your physical activity and to respect a rest period while avoiding movements that could exert excessive pressure or stress on the infiltrated joint. This is essential to allow the injected therapeutic agents to diffuse correctly and act effectively without being disrupted by harmful stresses.
In addition, it is important to be careful not to repeat the infiltrations too closely over time. Indeed, too frequent use can cause deleterious effects on joint and general health.
For diabetic individuals, post-intervention blood sugar levels are also a factor to be considered with the greatest attention. Glycemic fluctuations can indeed affect healing and potentially induce a loss of effectiveness of infiltration. Regular and careful monitoring of blood sugar levels is therefore essential.
When can you walk after knee infiltration?
Permission to walk after knee infiltration is a common question among patients who have undergone this type of intervention. Resumption of walking may vary according to several criteria, in particular the injected product and the patient’s individual reaction to it.
Usually, some discomfort in the joint may occur, which may cause difficulty walking during the first 12 hours post-injection. It is therefore sometimes recommended to limit mobility during this initial period or to rely on a walking aid if necessary, to avoid putting excessive strain on the treated knee.
Generally, after about 24 hours, the effects of the infiltration diminish, making it easier to walk. Most patients regain normal walking ability the day after the procedure.
However, it is important to consider that each case is unique, and that a rest period of 24 to 48 hours may be recommended in certain situations, depending on the instructions of the healthcare professional. This rest period aims to promote good distribution of the product injected into the joint and to optimize its effectiveness.
What are the dangers of knee infiltration?
Knee infiltration, although it is often carried out to relieve pain and inflammation of the joint, is not without risks. Indeed, after the procedure, it is common to observe a temporary painful reaction as discussed previously. This post-infiltration pain may be more intense for a few days before the beneficial effects become evident, usually between five days and one month after the procedure.
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