If your knee feels swollen and you need relief quickly, cortisone may be the right fit. When ongoing stiffness is the main issue and you need more joint lubrication, hyaluronic acid could help. At Steven Struhl MD – Stem Cell Therapy NYC, we look at your symptoms, exam, imaging, and treatment history before recommending a knee injection for arthritis.

How Do Cortisone and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Work?

Cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections both go right into your knee joint, but they work in different ways. Cortisone is a corticosteroid that helps calm inflammation. Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like substance, much like what’s found in healthy joint fluid, so it adds lubrication and cushioning.

Cleveland Clinic explains that cortisone usually works faster, while gel injections can take several weeks. Neither treatment works equally well for every knee.

Which Injection May Fit Your Symptoms?

Your pain pattern, arthritis severity, health history, and goals all help shape the right recommendation. When you come in for an evaluation, Dr. Struhl may talk with you about:

  • Cortisone injections for knee pain when inflammation, swelling, or a painful flare is driving your symptoms
  • Hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain when osteoarthritis causes ongoing stiffness and reduced joint cushioning
  • Prior injections, medications, physical therapy, and how long earlier relief lasted
  • Other treatments if your knee catches, buckles, has severe cartilage loss, or another structural problem.

If your knee swells after activity, you’ll need a different plan than if your knee locks or gives way. An exam and up-to-date imaging help us see what’s really limiting you.

What Does Dr. Struhl Evaluate Before Recommending an Injection?

Dr. Steven Struhl is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine/Arthroscopic Surgery. He checks where you feel pain, how your knee moves, whether there’s swelling, what your imaging shows, and which treatments you’ve already tried. He also looks at your medical history and activity goals before talking with you about cortisone, hyaluronic acid, PRP, regenerative treatment, or surgery.

What Are the Limits of Knee Injections?

Knee injections can help manage your symptoms, but they can’t rebuild lost cartilage or reverse osteoarthritis. The American College of Rheumatology’s hyaluronic acid guidance explains that these injections may provide temporary relief without preventing joint damage. If advanced arthritis or a structural problem is causing your pain, Dr. Struhl may suggest a different approach.

FAQs

How quickly do knee injections start working?

Cortisone usually starts working sooner than hyaluronic acid, but timing can vary. A gel injection may take a few days or even weeks. How you respond depends on your knee and the injection you get.

Can a knee injection help me avoid replacement surgery?

An injection may help control your symptoms and keep you active, but it can’t guarantee you’ll avoid surgery. If you have advanced arthritis, ongoing disability, or major structural damage, you may still need surgery.

Compare Knee Arthritis Injections in NYC With Dr. Struhl

If knee pain is making stairs, exercise, work, or sleep harder, a generic shot won’t be enough. You deserve to know why your knee hurts and what each injection can actually do. Steven Struhl, MD – Stem Cell Therapy NYC offers cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections in New York City and White Plains. Schedule an orthopedic evaluation to compare your options with Dr. Struhl.