What should I do (and avoid) after a knee injection?

The first 48 hours

• Walk normally for short distances, but avoid long walks, running, jumping and heavy gym work
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes at a time if the knee aches
• Keep the small dressing clean and dry for the rest of the day
• Arrange a lift home if your knee feels heavy or numb, particularly if local anaesthetic was used

Some soreness is common, especially after PRP or hyaluronic acid, and occasionally after a steroid, as a short-lived flare.

Medicines after the injection

Paracetamol is usually fine for discomfort. After PRP, many clinicians advise avoiding anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac for around one to two weeks, as they may blunt the intended effect, although the evidence on this is limited. Continue your regular medicines unless told otherwise, and if you have diabetes and had a steroid injection, check your blood sugar more often for a few days.

Getting back to activity

Light activity and gentle exercises can usually restart after one or two days. A gradual return to the gym, cycling or swimming follows over the next week or so, guided by how the knee feels. For PRP, protocols often include a few days of relative rest followed by a structured exercise programme. An injection is a window of opportunity: the less painful period is the ideal time to build strength with physiotherapy.

Warning signs

Infection after a knee injection is rare, but it is serious. Go to an emergency department the same day if the knee becomes increasingly hot, red, swollen and very painful, especially after the first day or two, or if you develop a fever or chills. Seek review too for a rash, breathlessness or swelling of the face shortly after the injection. For anything less urgent, contact Dr. Gelber's team at Aman Hospital.