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Knee pain can be distressing to live with, particularly if it interferes with your mobility and daily life. If you’ve been struggling with knee pain recently that’s no longer manageable, you may be considering treatment.
Knee injections and joint replacement surgery are two treatment options for knee pain. While both can be effective, the right one for you will depend on several factors – including the cause and severity of your pain.
To help you explore your options, we’ve partnered with Benenden Hospital, the leading provider of private knee and hip replacements in Kent. Benenden Hospital’s experienced team of orthopaedic surgeons, expert anaesthetists, and chartered physiotherapists is dedicated to providing the very best care, with patients at the heart of everything they do.
Benenden Hospital is hosting an upcoming hip and knee osteoarthritis treatment event this July. Mr Raman Thakur, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Beneden Hospital, will guide you through the options for hip and knee arthritis treatment, including joint replacement surgery. Sign up using the button below.
What can cause knee pain?
Knee pain can have several causes. However, according to Benenden Hospital, most cases of age-related knee pain are caused by osteoarthritis or injury.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint (a type of connective tissue that acts as the body’s natural shock absorber) begins to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Over time, osteoarthritis can also affect joint shape and function. Meanwhile, injuries, such as those caused by sport or work, can damage tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
It’s important to address knee pain. If left unchecked, it may begin to impact your ability to move, work, sleep, and exercise – all of which can affect your mental health. Generally speaking, health professionals will initially recommend trying non-invasive treatments, such as weight loss, physiotherapy, heat therapy, and painkillers like ibuprofen.
However, if these are no longer effective or your knee pain is severe, you may need to consider alternative treatment options, such as knee injections or joint replacement surgery. We’ll cover these below.
Get fast access to outstanding care for hip & knee pain
Skip NHS waitlists and take your first step to recovery at Kent’s only CQC rated Outstanding private hospital. You’ll be supported throughout your journey by Benenden Hospital’s highly experienced Consultants and caring clinical teams.
With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than expected and be supported through your recovery. Book an initial chat or call 01580 362 886 to discuss your options today.
What are knee injections?
Knee injections are used to reduce knee pain and improve mobility without the need for surgery.
There are various injections available, and the right one for you will depend on several factors – including the severity and cause of your pain, as well as personal preference. We’ll cover some of the main options below.
Cortisone injections
Corticosteroids are a type of medication used to help reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. Injecting cortisone (a type of steroid) directly into the knee joint can relieve pain for several months, allowing you to move the affected joint more freely and comfortably.
Patients can have up to two cortisone injections in the same joint each year. However, it’s worth noting that repeated use of steroids can damage cartilage, and have damaging effects on other organs and systems in the body, so it’s important to understand this and consider all your options before going ahead. Benenden Hospital has more information on Cortisone injections on their website.
Durolane injections
Durolane injections, also called hyaluronic acid injections, are typically used to treat pain caused by mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a substance that exists naturally in synovial fluid (a lubricant and shock absorber between bone surfaces), but is often broken down as a result of osteoarthritis.
Durolane is injected directly into the area of the knee joint that contains synovial fluid, helping to restore its natural properties. According to Benenden Hospital, Durolane offers longer-term relief than cortisone injections and may delay the need for surgery without causing damage to the knee joint. It’s normal to experience mild pain and swelling for the first 48 hours following an injection, but Durolane has been shown to have few side effects.
Head over to the Benenden Hospital website if you’d like to find out more about Durolane injections.
Arthrosamid® injections
Arthrosamid® is a type of injectable gel designed to offer long-term pain relief for osteoarthritis by cushioning and lubricating joints.
Arthrosamid® injections are often recommended over other injections if you have synovitis – a common symptom of knee osteoarthritis caused by inflammation of the synovial tissue (which lines the knee joint). According to Benenden Hospital, Arthrosamid® injections offer longer-lasting pain relief than other knee injections (up to five years).
According to clinical trials, no serious side effects have been reported following Arthrosamid® injections.
You can find out more about Arthrosamid® injections on the Benenden Hospital website. Alternatively, check out the Arthrosamid® injection webinar with Mr Alex Chipperfield and Mr Mark Jones, Orthopaedic Surgeons at Benenden Hospital, below.
Get fast access to outstanding care for hip & knee pain
Skip NHS waitlists and take your first step to recovery at Kent’s only CQC rated Outstanding private hospital. You’ll be supported throughout your journey by Benenden Hospital’s highly experienced Consultants and caring clinical teams.
With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than expected and be supported through your recovery. Book an initial chat or call 01580 362 886 to discuss your options today.
What is knee replacement surgery?
Knee replacement surgery is a common operation used to relieve knee pain and restore mobility.
During surgery, a damaged knee is replaced with an artificial joint that’s shaped to allow normal movement. Damaged cartilage is also removed, and metal implants are cemented into the bone. A plastic spacer is then inserted between metal implants to create a smooth, gliding surface that acts as a shock absorber.
There are various types of knee surgery, including total knee replacement, partial knee replacement, and robotic-assisted knee replacement. The one you might choose will depend on your needs – for example, how damaged your knee is. Benenden Hospital has more information about the different types of knee replacement treatments on their website.
To learn more about total knee replacement surgery, you might like to watch the video with Mr Matthew Oliver, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Benenden Hospital, below.
Knee injections versus joint replacement – which is better for me?
Both knee injections and joint replacement surgery are considered effective treatment options for knee pain. However, there are several things to consider when deciding which is most beneficial for you.
We’ll take a look at some of the main considerations below.
Knee pain severity and impact on daily life
The impact that knee pain has on your daily life is one of the main things to consider when deciding what treatment is right for you. Generally speaking, knee injections are more common in the earlier stages of treatment or if knee pain is less severe.
If knee pain is milder, lasting relief may be as simple as taking a couple of ibuprofen or having a warm bath. However, it’s common for home remedies to lose their effectiveness over time; at which point, health professionals may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as physical therapy, weight loss, and knee injections.
However, it’s not unusual for many of these to only offer relief for a limited time. If this is the case, it may be time to consider surgery.
According to experts, knee pain that no longer responds to non-surgical treatment may be the greatest sign that your knee has deteriorated and that surgery is the right option. In some cases, non-surgical treatments may also no longer be possible – for example, weakened mobility can make regular exercise and physical therapy increasingly painful.
If your knee pain or joint damage is severe from the beginning, surgery may be recommended earlier.
Effectiveness of treatment
While results can vary from person to person, research generally shows that knee injections and joint replacement surgery have high success rates.
In one study, Arthrosamid® injections were found to have a success rate of over 70% – with most patients reporting significant pain reduction and improved mobility. Other studies found that Durolane and cortisone injections benefited 60% and 50% of patients, respectively.
Similarly, when it comes to knee replacement surgery, 87% of patients in this recent NHS survey said the results of their operation were excellent, very good, or good; with most reporting reduced pain, improved mobility, better mental health, and overall quality of life.
Benenden Hospital has a collection of knee injection and knee replacement patient testimonies available on their website if you’d like to read more.
The main difference to consider is how long each treatment can offer effective relief for. While knee injections can provide quick relief from knee pain and inflammation, the effects are only temporary, and to maintain results, you’ll need to have repeated treatment. On the other hand, joint replacement surgery offers a more permanent solution for pain relief and improved joint function.
Get fast access to outstanding care for hip & knee pain
Skip NHS waitlists and take your first step to recovery at Kent’s only CQC rated Outstanding private hospital. You’ll be supported throughout your journey by Benenden Hospital’s highly experienced Consultants and caring clinical teams.
With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than expected and be supported through your recovery. Book an initial chat or call 01580 362 886 to discuss your options today.
Recovery time and risks
While knee injections and knee replacement surgery are both considered safe and successful procedures, as with any medical treatment, there are risks.
Knee injection risks and recovery time
Some people may experience mild swelling or discomfort following knee injections. However, according to Benenden Hospital, while recovery time for knee injections can vary, most people are able to return to their normal activities after a few days of rest.
There’s some evidence that certain knee injections may increase the risk of joint damage, as well as the need for future surgery. For example, in this study, every steroid injection administered was linked with a 9.4% greater risk of needing future knee replacement surgery.
However, this may vary depending on the type of injection, as another study found that hyaluronic acid injections delayed the need for total knee replacement surgery.
According to Benenden Hospital, while there may be side effects and risks involved, for most people, the benefits in terms of pain relief and improved mobility far outweigh any potential disadvantages of knee injections. You’ll be able to discuss any worries or concerns with your healthcare provider.
Knee replacement surgery risks and recovery time
Knee replacement surgery is considered a safe procedure, however, there are still risks to consider, especially in the weeks following surgery. These include bleeding, blood clots, infection, and nerve or blood vessel damage.
Recovery time from knee replacement surgery will vary depending on your general health and fitness and the type of surgery you’ve had. Head over to the Benenden Hospital website for more information on recovering from a knee replacement.
Cost of treatment
The cost of private knee injections and knee surgery can vary depending on several factors, including the type of surgery or injection you have and which healthcare provider you choose. However, generally speaking, single knee injections can cost up to £3,000 in the UK, and knee surgery up to £18,000.
For self-pay patients, the price for total knee replacement at Benenden Hospital begins at £13,750. Prices for Arthrosamid®, cortisone, and Durolane injections begin at £2,565, £105, and £210, respectively. Initial consultations cost £210.
Self-pay patients are free to spread the cost of treatment, and Benenden Health members will receive a 10% discount. Knee surgery and injections are also available through private health insurance at Benenden Hospital.
To find out more about finance options, including eligibility and payment terms, head over to the Benenden Hospital website. The website also includes information about Benenden Hospital’s knee replacement surgery price promise.
Other considerations when deciding on treatment options
Quality of care
Where you choose to have knee surgery or injections can also have a significant impact on how happy and comfortable you feel throughout the process, and how well you recover.
When choosing a healthcare provider, important factors to consider include the surgeon’s qualifications, experience, and patient reviews.
Benenden Hospital is the leading provider of private hip and knee replacements in Kent, and the experienced team is dedicated to providing the best care. Rated as Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, patients are at the heart of everything they do, so you can rest assured that you’ll be well cared for.
For further insights, you might find it helpful to browse Benenden Hospital’s collection of knee replacement success stories.
Waiting times
If you’re in pain and know you need treatment, one of the main questions you might ask is how long you’ll have to wait. While the NHS aims to book all patients requiring non-urgent procedures within 18 weeks, waiting times are often much longer – including for knee injections and knee replacement surgery.
Research shows that nearly 4,000 people have been waiting over two years for NHS knee or hip replacement surgery.
Unfortunately, reports find that waiting times are getting longer still, and are set to continue doing so. Plus, many of these figures don’t account for the additional pre-diagnosis wait time, with reports showing that 40% of knee replacement patients wait over a year before even getting onto the NHS list.
At Benenden Hospital, the current average waiting time for orthopaedic treatments via NHS referral is 17 weeks.
In contrast, the average waiting time for private knee replacement surgery in the UK is much quicker. Benenden Hospital currently has almost immediate availability for private knee pain consultations, and the average wait time between consultation and surgery is six weeks.
If you’re interested in knee surgery and injections and would like to discuss your options, you can request a callback or call Benenden Hospital’s Private Patient team on 01580 362 886.
Final thoughts…
Knee pain can be difficult to cope with and significantly impact daily life. Luckily, there is a range of effective treatments available – it’s just about finding the right one for you.
Benenden Hospital is passionate about delivering high-quality, personalised care and offers both knee injections and knee replacement surgery through self-pay private healthcare and private healthcare insurance. Plus, their flexible finance options allow you to spread the cost.
To find out more about accessing knee replacement surgery through Benenden Hospital, head over to their website or request a callback.
Benenden Hospital is hosting an upcoming hip and knee osteoarthritis treatment event this July. Mr Raman Thakur, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Beneden Hospital, will guide you through the options for hip and knee arthritis treatment, including joint replacement surgery. Sign up using the button below.
Are you considering treatment for knee pain? Have you got any experience that you’d like to share? We’d be interested to hear from you in the comments below.