Many people who suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee consider various treatment options including intra-artcicular injections of corticosteroids or injections of corticosteroids into their knee joints. Cortiocosteroids are drugs which are used to suppress inflammation.
Patients have a choice between intra-articular injections of corticosteroids and intra-articular injections of Hyaluronic acid (HA). Note, that oral Hyaluronic acid is not comparable to intra-articular HA, much in the same way that oral corticosteroids are not used for osteoarthritis, while intra-articular injections are used instead.
"AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The short-term benefit of IA corticosteroids in treatment of knee OA is well established, and few side effects have been reported. Longer term benefits have not been confirmed based on the RevMan analysis. The response to HA products appears more durable" (Bellamy et al, 2006).
"There seem to be beneficial effects on pain and patient global assessment, but little or no effect (versus placebo) on function"(Bellamy et al, 2006).
This article also suggested that while intra-articular injections of corticosteroids may have a faster onset of action, when compared to intra-articular injections of HA, however, HA injections appear to have a more durable or long-lasting response.
*Please consult your consult your physician to discuss your condition and treatment options.
Also, please refer to the disclaimer text.
Bellamy N, Campbell J, Robinson V, Gee T, Bourne R, Wells G. Intraarticular corticosteroid for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Apr 19;(2):CD005328.
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