NYC & Stamford, CT
Non-Surgical Treatment for Knee Arthritis
Knee arthritis does not always require surgery. Dr. McLawhorn offers a comprehensive range of non-surgical treatments to manage knee arthritis symptoms, preserve joint health, and support an active lifestyle — all under one roof, without unnecessary referrals.
Comparing Knee Injection Options
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How it works
Reduces joint inflammation
How given
Single injection, max every 3 months
Speed of relief
Rapid (days)
Duration
Weeks to months
Insurance
Usually covered
Cartilage risk
Repeated use may damage cartilage
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How it works
Lubricates & cushions joint
How given
Series of 1–3, every 6 months
Speed of relief
Gradual (weeks)
Duration
Several months
Insurance
Usually covered (varies)
Cartilage risk
No risk
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How it works
Uses your own growth factors
How given
Single injection
Speed of relief
Gradual (weeks)
Duration
Longer-lasting than cortisone
Insurance
Not covered — out-of-pocket
Cartilage risk
May protect remaining cartilage
Cortisone (Steroid) Injections
A corticosteroid injection calms inflammation in the joint — reducing fluid, swelling, and pain nerve sensitivity. Provides rapid relief. Limited to no more than once every three months. Best used selectively as part of a broader plan. While there is no lifetime limit on the number of cortisone injections a patient receives, repeated use over time may contribute to cartilage damage.
Gel Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid injections that improve the lubrication and shock-absorbing quality of knee joint fluid. FDA-approved for knee osteoarthritis. Typically a series of 1–3 injections, repeated every 6 months. Most effective for mild to moderate knee arthritis. Not available for the hip.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
Dr. McLawhorn uses the Arthrex Angel System to obtain a small blood sample, concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and inject the PRP directly into the knee joint. PRP is thought to reduce inflammation, decrease pain sensitivity, and may help support the health of remaining cartilage. Clinical studies have shown that PRP can provide longer-lasting symptom relief than corticosteroid or gel injections in some patients with mild to moderate knee arthritis.
Because anti-inflammatory medications may interfere with the biologic activity of PRP, patients should avoid NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam) for 7 days before and 2 weeks after treatment. PRP is considered an elective biologic therapy and is not covered by most insurance plans.
Lifestyle & Physical Approaches
Physical therapy — quadriceps strengthening reduces joint load
Weight management — each pound = 3–6 pounds of force on the knee
Activity modification — swimming, cycling, elliptical
Bracing — unloader brace shifts weight from the arthritic compartment
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) — discuss long-term use with your physician
What to Expect at Your Injection Appointment
Before
Medication review, insurance verification, and specialty pharmacy coordination for gel injections.
Day Of
In-office injection under sterile conditions. Quick procedure — most patients leave within the hour.
After
Temporary soreness is normal. A brief post-injection flare may occur and resolves on its own. Gradual symptom improvement over days to weeks.