Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Eastleigh & Southampton | Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Eastleigh & Southampton | Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Educational Content Only

For patient appointments use the button below

Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections for Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of knee pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, particularly as we get older or after previous injury. If knee pain is limiting your walking, exercise, work or sleep, ultrasound-guided knee injections may help reduce pain and inflammation and allow you to move more comfortably.

At our Eastleigh clinic, we offer a range of knee injections for osteoarthritis and joint pain, tailored to your specific needs. Each injection type works differently to reduce pain, improve function, and support knee health. Options include corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation during flare-ups, hyaluronic acid injections to improve joint lubrication, and prolotherapy injections to stimulate the body’s natural healing and strengthen soft tissues. Our specialist team will guide you on the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms, scans, and lifestyle, helping you stay active and confident.

Physiotherapy in Osteoarthritis in Southampton | Physio Soton

Arthrosamid with Physio Soton – Physio-Soton


What Is Knee Osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition where the cartilage that cushions the knee gradually wears down. This can lead to:

  • Pain during walking, stairs or standing

  • Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest

  • Swelling or a feeling of pressure in the knee

  • Reduced confidence and activity levels

Osteoarthritis can affect one or both knees and may progress at different rates depending on activity levels, body weight, previous injuries and genetics.

knee osteoarthritis injections eastleigh
Comparison X-rays showing a healthy knee joint and a knee affected by osteoarthritis

How Is Knee Osteoarthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a combination of:

  • A detailed clinical assessment

  • Your symptoms and functional limitations

  • Diagnostic musculoskeletal ultrasound, where appropriate

  • X-rays or previous imaging, if available

Ultrasound allows us to assess:

  • Joint inflammation (synovitis)

  • Effusion (excess joint fluid)

  • Soft tissue structures around the knee

This helps ensure that injections are appropriate, targeted and safe.


When Are Knee Injections Helpful?

Knee injections may be helpful if:

  • Pain is not improving with exercise and physiotherapy alone

  • Inflammation is limiting your ability to stay active

  • You need pain relief to engage more effectively in rehabilitation

  • You are not ready for, or wish to delay, surgical options

Injections are not a cure for osteoarthritis, but they can play an important role in symptom control and function when used appropriately.


Knee Osteoarthritis Injections and Supportive Treatments at Our Eastleigh Clinic

At our Eastleigh clinic, we provide a range of knee injections and complementary treatments for osteoarthritis and joint pain, personalised to each patient’s needs. Each option is designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term knee health, helping you stay active in daily life. Patients from Southampton, Winchester, Romsey, and surrounding areas benefit from our specialist, physiotherapy-led approach.

Corticosteroid (Steroid) Injections

  • Reduce inflammation inside the knee joint

  • Often provide relief for weeks to months

  • Particularly helpful during flare-ups or acute pain episodes

Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)

  • Improve joint lubrication and cushioning

  • May help reduce stiffness and enhance movement

  • Suitable for selected patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis

Prolotherapy Injections

  • Stimulate the body’s natural healing response to strengthen ligaments and soft tissues

  • Can improve joint stability and reduce pain over time

  • Often considered for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis or ligament laxity

Other Supportive Treatments

In addition to injections, our clinic offers a comprehensive range of supportive therapies to manage knee osteoarthritis and improve function, including:

  • Bracing to improve knee stability and support daily activities

  • Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques (including massage) to reduce stiffness and improve mobility

  • Ultrasound therapy to promote tissue healing and reduce discomfort

  • Infrared therapy to enhance circulation, relieve pain, and support joint recovery

  • Personalised physiotherapy programs and exercise therapy

  • Ultrasound assessment and education on joint protection strategies

All treatments are delivered with a focus on optimising function, reducing pain, and supporting long-term knee health. Injections are often performed under ultrasound guidance to maximise accuracy, comfort, and effectiveness.


Why Ultrasound-Guided Knee Injections Matter

Ultrasound guidance allows the injection to be placed precisely within the knee joint, rather than relying on anatomical landmarks alone.

Benefits include:

  • Greater accuracy

  • Improved effectiveness

  • Reduced discomfort

  • Lower risk of complications

Ultrasound guidance is considered best practice for many joint injections and reflects the specialist nature of our service.


What to Expect During Your Appointment

  1. Full clinical assessment and discussion of options

  2. Diagnostic ultrasound of the knee (if required)

  3. Ultrasound-guided injection (if appropriate)

  4. Clear aftercare and activity advice

Appointments are unhurried, allowing time for questions and shared decision-making.


Aftercare and Recovery

After a knee injection you may be advised to:

  • Rest the knee for 24–48 hours

  • Gradually return to normal activity

  • Continue or restart a tailored physiotherapy programme

Many patients benefit most when injections are combined with strengthening, weight management and activity modification, which can be supported through Physio Soton.


When Knee Injections May Not Be Suitable

Injections may not be recommended if:

  • Pain is not inflammatory in nature

  • There is advanced joint collapse where benefit is unlikely

  • Infection or certain medical conditions are present

We will always discuss alternatives and ensure treatment is appropriate.


Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment in Eastleigh, Southampton, Winchester & Romsey

Our clinic is based in Eastleigh, conveniently located for patients from:

  • Southampton

  • Winchester

  • Romsey

  • Chandlers Ford and surrounding areas

The knee injection service is delivered as part of the Physio Soton clinic, allowing seamless referral between injection therapy and rehabilitation where needed.


Book a Knee Osteoarthritis Assessment

If knee osteoarthritis is affecting your quality of life, a specialist assessment can help you understand your options and decide whether an ultrasound-guided injection is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions – Knee Osteoarthritis

How long do knee injections last for osteoarthritis?

The duration of benefit varies between individuals. Corticosteroid injections may provide pain relief for several weeks to a few months, particularly during inflammatory flare-ups. Hyaluronic acid injections may provide longer-lasting improvement in stiffness and movement for selected patients. Response depends on the severity of osteoarthritis, activity levels and overall joint health.


Are knee injections painful?

Most patients find knee injections well tolerated. Using ultrasound guidance allows accurate placement of the injection, which often reduces discomfort. A brief sensation of pressure may be felt, but the procedure is usually quick and manageable.


Is ultrasound guidance really necessary?

Ultrasound guidance significantly improves the accuracy and safety of knee injections. It allows real-time visualisation of the joint, helping ensure the medication is delivered to the correct area. This is particularly important in knees with swelling, altered anatomy or more advanced osteoarthritis.


Will a knee injection cure osteoarthritis?

No. Knee injections do not cure osteoarthritis or reverse cartilage changes. Their role is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve movement and help you stay active. They are most effective when used as part of a broader management plan, including exercise and lifestyle strategies.


How soon can I walk after a knee injection?

Most patients can walk immediately after the injection, although we usually advise taking it easy for 24–48 hours. Normal daily activities can then be resumed gradually. Specific advice will be given based on your individual presentation.


Are there any side effects or risks?

Knee injections are generally safe when performed by an experienced clinician. Possible side effects include:

  • Temporary increase in pain for 24–48 hours

  • Localised swelling or bruising

  • Rare risk of infection

All risks will be discussed fully during your appointment, and ultrasound guidance helps minimise complications.


How many knee injections can I have?

There is a limit to how frequently certain injections, particularly corticosteroids, should be used. We will discuss appropriate timing and alternatives to ensure treatment remains safe and evidence-based. Repeated injections without addressing strength and movement are not recommended.


Do I need an X-ray or MRI before a knee injection?

Not always. Many cases of knee osteoarthritis can be assessed clinically and with diagnostic ultrasound. If previous imaging is available, we will review it. MRI is rarely required solely to guide a knee injection.


Can knee injections delay knee replacement surgery?

In some cases, injections can help manage symptoms and delay the need for surgery, particularly in early to moderate osteoarthritis. However, they are not a substitute for surgery where joint damage is severe. We will always give honest guidance based on your situation.


Should I still do physiotherapy after a knee injection?

Yes. Injections are most effective when combined with strengthening and movement-based rehabilitation. As this service is delivered through Physio Soton, we can ensure your injection and physiotherapy work together as part of a coordinated plan.


Where is the clinic located?

The clinic is based in Eastleigh, close to Southampton, and easily accessible for patients from Winchester, Romsey and surrounding areas. Appointments are provided as part of the Physio Soton clinic.

Further Information & Trusted Resources

If you’d like to learn more about knee osteoarthritis, pain management, and treatment options, the following trusted resources provide clear, evidence-based information:

Recommended links 

About the Author

Marek-Czeladzki-Physiotherapist-MSK-Sonographer-in-EastleighMarek Czeladzki is a Chartered Physiotherapist, Musculoskeletal (MSK) Specialist, and Clinical Sonographer with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating knee osteoarthritis and other joint conditions. He provides ultrasound-guided joint injections and advanced musculoskeletal assessments at the Physio Soton clinic in Eastleigh, helping patients from Southampton, Winchester, and Romsey manage pain and improve function without unnecessary surgery. Marek’s approach is evidence-based, patient-focused, and centred on restoring confidence in movement through accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and clear, honest communication.