Uses of Dexamethasone for Treatment of Knee Pain

Knee pain, particularly pain from arthritis, is often treated by dexamethasone, a type of corticosteroid. Dexamethasone may also be used following knee surgery, to help alleviate post-surgical pain.

Function

• Corticosteroids such as dexamethasone have anti-inflammatory properties, and that is the main use in treating knee pain. Corticosteroids are meant to resemble the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal gland and helps regulate the immune system.

Time Frame

• How quickly dexamethasone works depends on the delivery method. The oral method is rapid, while intravenous routes deliver high concentrations systemically, and intramuscular delivery results in slow absorption but the duration is longer.

Types

• Dexamethasone is most commonly used for treatment of soft tissue and musculoskeletal inflammation, according to Dr. Michelle H. Cameron, MD, PT, OCS in her article Rehab Management. However, it can also be used post-operatively as either an IV or intramuscular injection. Iontopheresis, where medication is delivered through the skin by electrical current, most often uses dexamethasone, according to Cameron.

Significance

• Dexamethasone is one of the longest-acting of the corticosteroids, and has the most potent anti-inflammatory properties of that drug class, according to a 2006 article in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.

Considerations

• Besides anti-inflammatory action, corticosteroids are useful for surgical patients, such as following knee procedures, to decrease pain, nausea and vomiting and reduce the need for opiates for pain.