How to Prepare for Your Knee Injection: Before, During, and After

Key Takeaways

Start preparing 1-2 weeks before your appointment by gathering medical records and verifying insurance
The procedure itself takes only 5-15 minutes, but plan for 30-60 minutes total appointment time
Rest your knee for 24-48 hours after the injection and avoid strenuous activity
Most people can drive themselves home and return to normal activities within 2-3 days
Follow your doctor’s specific aftercare instructions to get the best results

Getting a knee injection for the first time can feel overwhelming. But with the right preparation, you can walk into your appointment feeling confident and set yourself up for the best possible outcome. This guide covers everything you need to know before, during, and after your procedure.

Before Your Appointment: 1-2 Weeks Out

Gather Your Medical Records

Having your records organized saves time and helps your provider give you the best care.

Records to Collect:

Recent X-rays or MRI results - Within the last 6-12 months if available

Previous injection records - Dates, types, and how well they worked

Treatment history - Physical therapy notes, medications tried

Surgical records - Any past knee surgeries or procedures

Create Your Medication List

Write down every medication you take, including:

Prescription medications (name, dose, how often)
Over-the-counter pain relievers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
Supplements (fish oil, vitamin E, glucosamine)
Blood thinners (warfarin, Eliquis, Xarelto, Plavix)

Why this matters: Some medications can increase bleeding or bruising. Your doctor needs this information to give you the right instructions.

Prepare Your Questions

Write down anything you want to ask during your appointment. Good questions include:

What type of injection do you recommend and why?
How long until I feel relief?
What activities should I avoid afterward?
When should I schedule a follow-up?
What if the injection does not help?

For more ideas, see our First-Time Injection Guide.

Verify Your Insurance Coverage

Call your insurance company or check your online portal to confirm:

The injection type is covered under your plan
Any prior authorization requirements
Your expected copay or out-of-pocket costs
Whether the provider is in-network

For Medicare patients: Most knee injections are covered under Part B. Ask the office if they are Medicare-participating providers.

The Day Before

Confirm Your Appointment Details

Call the office to confirm your appointment time and location if you have not received a reminder

Review Fasting Requirements

Good news: Most knee injections do not require fasting. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment.

However: Ask your provider about any specific instructions. Some offices may have different protocols.

Plan Your Transportation

Most people drive themselves to and from knee injections without any problems. But consider arranging a ride if:

This is your first injection and you are nervous
You have difficulty driving due to knee pain
Your provider recommends it
You would feel more comfortable with support

Tip: Having someone drive you means you can focus on the appointment instead of worrying about the drive home

Choose What to Wear

What you wear makes the procedure easier for everyone:

Best choices:

Loose-fitting pants that roll up easily above the knee
Shorts
Comfortable, slip-on shoes

Avoid:

Tight jeans or skinny pants
Compression garments on the knee
Pantyhose or tights

Get Good Sleep

Being well-rested helps you feel calmer and may improve your pain tolerance. Try to get 7-8 hours of sleep the night before.

Day of Your Injection

What to Bring

Your Appointment Checklist:

Photo ID - Driver’s license or other government ID

Insurance card - Primary and secondary if applicable

Medication list - The one you prepared earlier

Medical records - Imaging results or referral paperwork

Questions list - So you do not forget to ask

Payment method - For any copays or deductibles

Eating and Drinking

Eat a normal, light meal before your appointment. Being slightly hungry can make you feel lightheaded or anxious. A snack like toast, yogurt, or fruit works well.

Stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the morning.

Taking Your Medications

General Guidance:

Regular medications: Take them as usual unless your doctor says otherwise
Blood thinners: Follow your doctor’s specific instructions. Some may need to be paused; others can continue
Pain relievers: Ask your provider. Some doctors prefer you avoid NSAIDs before the procedure
Diabetes medications: Take as usual, but let your provider know if you have diabetes

Important: If you take blood thinners, do not stop them without your doctor’s approval. Your doctor will weigh the risks and tell you exactly what to do.

Arrival and Check-In

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to:

Complete any remaining paperwork
Provide insurance information
Review and sign consent forms
Use the restroom before the procedure

Total time to expect: 30-60 minutes from arrival to leaving, though the injection itself takes only 5-15 minutes.

What Happens During the Procedure

The Injection Process (5-15 Minutes)

Understanding each step can help you feel more relaxed:

Positioning

You will sit on an exam table or lie down. Your provider will position your knee slightly bent or straight depending on their approach.

Cleaning and Sterilization

The skin around your knee is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. This may feel cold. A sterile drape may be placed around the area.

Numbing (Optional)

Some providers use a numbing spray or inject a small amount of local anesthetic first. This feels like a brief pinch or cold sensation.

The Injection

The needle enters the joint space and the medication is injected. You may feel pressure or a brief sting. The actual injection takes only seconds.

Imaging Guidance (If Used)

Some providers use ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray) to guide the needle. This improves accuracy and can make the injection more comfortable.

Completion

The needle is removed and a small bandage is applied. You may be asked to bend and straighten your knee a few times to help spread the medication.

How Much Does It Hurt?

Most patients find the injection less painful than they expected:

A brief pinch when the needle enters
Pressure sensation during the injection
Similar to or less than getting blood drawn
Over in seconds

Helpful tip: Take slow, deep breaths during the procedure. This helps you stay relaxed and can reduce discomfort.

Immediately After the Injection

Before You Leave the Office

After the injection, you will:

Rest briefly (about 5-10 minutes)
Be checked for any immediate reactions
Receive written aftercare instructions
Schedule a follow-up appointment if needed

Tell your provider immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseated, or notice unusual pain, swelling, or itching

Heading Home

Most people can:

Walk out of the office normally
Drive themselves home
Stop for errands if needed

The injection site may be slightly numb if local anesthetic was used. This wears off within a few hours.

First 24-48 Hours: Recovery

Rest Your Knee

For the First 24-48 Hours:

Take it easy - Avoid heavy lifting, running, or strenuous exercise

Light walking is fine - Gentle movement can help distribute the medication

Elevate when resting - Prop your leg up to reduce swelling

Keep the bandage on - Leave it in place for a few hours or as directed

Ice If Needed

Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time. This helps with:

Mild soreness at the injection site
Any swelling
General discomfort

Do not apply ice directly to skin. Always use a barrier.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

For 24-48 hours, skip:

Running, jogging, or jumping
Weight lifting or gym workouts
Prolonged standing or walking
Kneeling or squatting
Hot tubs, pools, or baths (to reduce infection risk)

When Is It Okay to Drive?

Most people can drive the same day if:

They did not receive sedation
They feel steady on their feet
Their knee discomfort does not affect their ability to brake safely

If you feel uncertain, wait until the next day.

First Week and Beyond

Days 2-3

Injection site soreness should be decreasing
You can return to light daily activities
Shower normally but avoid soaking the injection site

Days 4-7

Resume normal activities as tolerated
Start gentle exercises if recommended
Continue avoiding high-impact activities

Good activities this week: Walking, stationary biking, swimming, gentle stretching

When to Expect Relief

The timeline depends on your injection type:

Injection Type	When Relief Typically Begins	How Long It May Last
Cortisone	2-7 days	6-12 weeks
Hyaluronic acid (gel)	2-4 weeks	6-12 months

Important: Do not be discouraged if you do not feel immediate improvement. Hyaluronic acid injections work gradually over several weeks.

Follow-Up Appointments

Your provider may schedule a follow-up to:

Check your response to the injection
Discuss next steps if needed
Plan additional treatments

Keep track of your pain levels and function so you can report accurately at your follow-up.

What Is Normal vs. When to Call Your Doctor

Normal After an Injection

Mild soreness at the injection site (1-3 days)
Slight swelling (1-2 days)
Temporary stiffness
The joint feeling “full”

Warning Signs: Call Your Doctor

Contact your provider immediately if you experience:

Severe pain that worsens instead of improving
Significant swelling, redness, or warmth
Fever over 100.4 degrees F
Chills or feeling generally unwell
Drainage or pus from the injection site
Inability to bear weight when you could before

These symptoms are rare but could indicate infection, which requires prompt treatment.

For more details, read Joint Injection Side Effects: What’s Normal and What’s Not.

Printable Preparation Checklist

Use this checklist to stay organized before your appointment:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need someone to drive me to my knee injection?

Most people drive themselves without problems. However, if you are nervous about your first injection or have difficulty driving due to knee pain, having a driver can reduce stress.

Can I take pain medication before the injection?

Check with your provider. Some doctors prefer you avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) before the procedure. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is usually fine.

How long is the actual injection procedure?

The injection itself takes only 5-15 minutes. Total appointment time is usually 30-60 minutes including check-in, preparation, and post-procedure observation.

When can I return to work?

Most people with desk jobs can work the same day. If your job involves physical labor, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing, take 24-48 hours off.

Can I shower after the injection?

Yes, you can usually shower the same day. Just avoid soaking in baths, hot tubs, or pools for 24-48 hours to reduce infection risk.

What if I have diabetes?

Let your provider know. Cortisone injections can temporarily raise blood sugar levels. You may need to monitor your levels more closely for 1-2 weeks after the injection. Hyaluronic acid injections typically do not affect blood sugar.

The Bottom Line

Preparing for a knee injection does not have to be complicated. With a little planning ahead, you can feel confident walking into your appointment and give yourself the best chance for a successful outcome.

Remember:

Gather records and verify insurance 1-2 weeks ahead
Wear loose clothing and bring your ID and insurance card
Plan for rest during the first 24-48 hours
Know what is normal and when to call your doctor
Be patient, especially with gel injections, which work gradually

Your preparation today sets the stage for better results tomorrow.

Last medically reviewed: January 2026

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about questions specific to your condition and treatment.