Knee Injections in London

Knee pain has many causes, from osteoarthritis to tendon and bursa problems. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, first finds the exact source of your pain with ultrasound and, where needed, X-ray or MRI. If an injection is right for you, it is given under live ultrasound guidance.

Knee conditions we treat with injections

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Swelling of the knee (an effusion), which can be drained under ultrasound
• Baker’s cysts
• Bursitis around the knee
• Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)

Knee injection options

• Steroid (cortisone) injection: reduces inflammation and pain during a flare. Relief is usually short to medium term.
• Hyaluronic acid injection: a gel that supplements the joint fluid in osteoarthritis. The evidence is mixed, and some patients benefit more than others. Options include a single-injection hyaluronic acid, a course of hyaluronic acid injections and a combined hyaluronic acid and steroid injection.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma): uses a concentrate from your own blood, and may help some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis or patellar tendinopathy.
• Hydrogel injection: a newer, longer-acting option for knee osteoarthritis.
• Aspiration: draining excess fluid from a swollen knee under ultrasound, often before an injection.

Exercise and strengthening remain the foundation of treatment for most knee problems. Injections are used to reduce pain so that you can stay active.

What to expect

1. Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms and any previous scans.
2. Your knee is scanned with ultrasound, and X-ray or MRI is arranged if needed.
3. You discuss the options and the evidence for each.
4. If you go ahead, the injection is given under ultrasound guidance.
5. You receive aftercare advice. Most people can walk out of the clinic straight away.

Why choose LSRI

• Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
• Every injection is guided by live ultrasound, so it reaches the right spot.
• Diagnosis and treatment from the same specialist, at Harley Street or Harrow.
• No GP referral needed to self-pay, and all major insurers accepted.
• Private MRI from £375 per body part, reported by a consultant radiologist within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Which knee injection is best?

It depends on the cause of your pain and what you have already tried. Dr Sankaye will recommend an option based on your scan.

Does a knee injection hurt?

Local anaesthetic is usually used, and most people find it uncomfortable rather than painful.

Can I drive afterwards?

We usually advise not driving straight after an injection because of the local anaesthetic. Arrange a lift if you can.

Book an appointment

Call 0203 633 5040 or book online. Clinics at LSRI Harley Street (The Harley Street Hospital, 19 Harley Street, London W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London (Medic Care Direct, 62 Station Road, Harrow HA2 7SJ).

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.