Knee vs. Hip Injections: What’s the Difference?
Joint pain can make even simple daily activities uncomfortable. When knee or hip pain starts to limit your movement, injections are often one of the first non-surgical options your doctor may recommend. While knee and hip injections serve a similar purpose, there are important differences in how they are performed and when each is used.
In this video, Dr. Harris explains the key distinctions between knee and hip injections and why precision matters, especially for the hip. Below, we break it down in clear, patient-friendly terms.
Why Joint Injections Are Used
Joint injections are designed to help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and improve mobility. They are commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, joint degeneration, or chronic joint irritation. For many patients, injections can provide meaningful relief and help delay or even avoid surgery.
At Joint Health Specialists, injections are part of a conservative care approach focused on keeping patients moving and comfortable for as long as possible.
Knee Injections: What to Know
The knee joint is relatively large and sits close to the surface of the skin. Because of this, knee injections are generally more straightforward.
As Dr. Harris explains, the knee allows physicians to feel how the medication is entering the joint. Resistance or ease during the injection provides helpful feedback that the medication is being delivered to the correct space.
Knee injections are commonly used to help with:
Inflammation from overuse or wear and tear
Chronic knee pain that has not improved with rest or physical therapy
Many patients experience reduced pain and improved function, allowing them to stay active with less discomfort.
Hip Injections: Why Imaging Matters
Hip injections are more complex. The hip joint is smaller and located deeper beneath the skin, which makes it harder to access accurately without guidance.
Dr. Harris notes that while hip injections can be done without imaging, there is a higher chance of missing the joint. That is why imaging guidance is so important.
At Joint Health Specialists, hip injections are performed using ultrasound imaging. This allows the provider to clearly see the joint in real time. When the medication is injected, the joint capsule can be seen expanding, confirming that the injection is placed exactly where it should be.
Hip injections are often used for:
Hip arthritis
Deep hip joint pain
Diagnostic purposes to confirm the source of pain
Using imaging improves accuracy, effectiveness, and patient confidence in the treatment.
Knee vs. Hip Injections at a Glance
While both injections aim to relieve pain and improve mobility, the main differences include:
Knee injections are easier to access due to the size and location of the joint
Hip injections require imaging guidance for accurate placement
Precision is especially critical for hip injections to ensure proper relief
A Non-Surgical Option Through Joint Health Specialists
If you are experiencing knee or hip pain but are not ready for surgery, joint injections may be an effective next step. Joint Health Specialists focuses on non-surgical solutions that help patients stay active, reduce pain, and make informed decisions about their care.
As part of San Antonio Orthopaedic Specialists, JHS offers expert-guided injections using advanced imaging and a patient-first approach.
Explore Non-Surgical Joint Care Options
If knee or hip pain is affecting your quality of life, a consultation with Joint Health Specialists can help determine whether injections are right for you. Our team will evaluate your symptoms, review imaging if needed, and create a personalized treatment plan focused on conservative care.
Schedule your injection consultation today and take the next step toward moving with less pain and more confidence.