Knee osteoarthritis: questions before considering injections

If knee pain continues, start by discussing its cause and your current joint condition. Symptoms, activity level and examination findings can change which options are worth considering.

Questions for your consultation

• When did the pain begin, and which movements make it worse?
• What did the examination and any tests show about the joint?
• What are the potential options, including exercise and rehabilitation, medication, injections or surgery, and what are their limits?
• For a proposed injection, what evidence supports its ingredients, procedure, authorized use, expected cost and risks?

An injection involving cell-derived material should not be presented as having the same result for everyone. The authorized use, eligibility, cost and evidence for any specific product or procedure need to be checked against source documents and the individual assessment.

Instructions about medicines, fasting or other preparation depend on the person's health and the actual procedure. Do not change medicines or preparation on your own without individual advice from your clinician.

This article offers general questions for a consultation. Confirm your diagnosis and treatment plan during a clinical visit.