Knee and joint injections in Wrocław
A joint injection delivers medication or a product such as hyaluronic acid or collagen directly into the joint to reduce pain and improve movement, most often for knee osteoarthritis. It takes a few minutes, with ultrasound guidance if needed. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław injections are given by orthopaedic surgeon Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
A joint injection delivers medication or a product such as hyaluronic acid or collagen directly into the joint to reduce pain and improve movement, most often for knee osteoarthritis. It takes a few minutes, with ultrasound guidance if needed. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław injections are given by orthopaedic surgeon Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD.
What does the procedure involve?
Intra-articular injections are the precise administration of a medication directly into the interior of the joint - most often hyaluronic acid, which lubricates and “oils” the joint, or anti-inflammatory preparations. They improve mobility, reduce pain and slow the development of degenerative changes. It is a minimally invasive method of conservative treatment.
The most common indications for the procedure:
Preparation for the procedure:
Orthopaedic consultation i kwalifikacja przez lekarza
Reporting the medications taken (especially anticoagulants)
No special preparation is needed (fasting is not required)
On the day of the procedure: the joint should be clean, without creams or ointments
Course of the procedure
The injection itself takes a few minutes.
The procedure takes place in a treatment room with aseptic principles observed.
The doctor disinfects the injection site, then inserts the needle directly into the joint cavity and administers the product.
If necessary, the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance, which increases its precision and effectiveness.
Recovery and post-procedure recommendations:
On the day of the procedure, rest and avoiding intense physical exertion are recommended
A feeling of pressure, temporary pain or swelling at the injection site is possible
In the case of corticosteroids, joint activity should be limited for 1-2 days
Return to daily activity is usually possible after 24-48 hours
In the case of PRP injections - avoiding NSAIDs for a few days is recommended
Follow-up visits depending on the doctor’s recommendations - most often after 2-4 weeks
Temporary pain at the injection site
Haematoma, redness, swelling
Infection stawu (bardzo rzadko - <1%)
An allergic reaction to a component of the product
Worsening of symptoms with improper loading of the joint after the procedure
At Luna Clinic the risk of complications is limited thanks to precise qualification, modern products and the experience of the orthopaedist - Dr Krzysztof Ciechan.
Frequently asked questions
What are intra-articular injections?
It is the administration of a medication directly into the joint - most often hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation), platelet-rich plasma or a corticosteroid. They reduce pain, improve mobility and support regeneration.
Which products are administered into the joint?
Hyaluronic acid improves the viscosity of the synovial fluid and cushioning, platelet-rich plasma stimulates regeneration, and corticosteroids quickly extinguish inflammation. The orthopaedist selects the product according to the condition and the degree of changes.
Which conditions do intra-articular injections help with?
Mainly in degenerative disease of the knees, hips, shoulders and ankles, with overloads, effusions and post-traumatic changes - when pharmacological treatment is no longer sufficient.
How long does an intra-articular injection last?
The effect of hyaluronic acid usually lasts 6-12 months; the series can be repeated. Corticosteroids work faster but for a shorter time - they are used ad hoc during exacerbations.
Does a joint injection hurt?
The administration is short and performed under local anaesthesia, often under ultrasound guidance - the discomfort is comparable to an ordinary injection. After the injection the joint may be tender for 1-2 days.
How to behave after an intra-articular injection?
For 24-48 hours spare the joint: avoid intense exertion, long walking and lifting. Everyday activities are allowed straight away; cooling relieves any tenderness.
How many injections are needed in a series?
Depending on the product: some hyaluronic acids are administered as a single dose, others in a series of 3-5 weekly; plasma usually 2-3 times every 2-4 weeks. The doctor sets the schedule.
Are intra-articular injections safe?
Yes - performed under aseptic conditions, by an experienced orthopaedist and under ultrasound guidance, they have a minimal risk. The most common symptoms are temporary tenderness or slight swelling.
Can injections delay endoprosthesis surgery?
Yes - in many patients regular viscosupplementation and biological therapy relieve the symptoms enough to defer the operation by months or years. The effectiveness depends on the degree of degeneration.
What are the contraindications to intra-articular injections?
Active infection of the joint or skin, allergy to the product, clotting disorders, uncompensated diabetes (with steroids); pregnancy requires an individual assessment by the doctor.
How to prepare for the injection?
It does not require special preparation; bring your documentation and imaging tests, report the medications you take. Immediately after the procedure you can return home - preferably not driving in the case of a lower-limb injection.
Joint injections in Wrocław: how much does it cost?
Joint injections start at PLN 800 in our price list.
Indications - is this procedure for you?
The most common reasons patients come for the “Intra-articular injections” procedure:
- Pain limiting daily activity, work or sleep.
- Mobility limitation, instability or “catching” in the joint.
- Insufficient improvement after conservative treatment and rehabilitation.
Contraindications
Effects - when and for how long?
Effect: improvement in 2-4 weeks; the effect lasts 6-12 months. Durability: depends on the product and the condition.
Safety and possible complications
After the injection there may be temporary pain, swelling or bruising at the injection site; rarely - infection or a reaction to the product.
We limit the risk through medical qualification, aseptic technique and precise injection. You have the right to know every aspect of the procedure - at the consultation we will discuss them honestly and without haste.
Krzysztof Ciechan, MD, PhD
A specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the locomotor system with over 13 years of experience in trauma and orthopaedic surgery. A doctor of medical sciences, a graduate of the Wrocław Medical Academy; he also gained practice in hospitals in the United Kingdom, combining modern treatment techniques with an individual approach to the patient.
Take the first step
Book a consultation - an honest conversation about expectations, possibilities and the treatment plan.
Joint injections: price and consultation
Joint injections (hyaluronic acid, collagen) cost from PLN 800 at Luna Clinic. The price depends on the product and the number of injections in a course. An alternative or addition is platelet-rich plasma (from PLN 1,500).
How to book
Call +48 666 850 666 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00) or send the consultation form. All prices: Luna Clinic price list.
Where we are
Luna Clinic, ul. Władysława Syrokomli 46, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland - in the Karłowice area of the Psie Pole district. There is parking for patients by the clinic. Directions and map