Comparing two injection methods for knee arthritis pain relief

Plain-English translation of NCT07347028 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether injecting a steroid medication called triamcinolone acetonide into trigger points in the muscles around the knee works as well as injecting it directly into the knee joint itself. Both approaches are designed to reduce pain from knee arthritis. The study will follow patients for two years to see which method works better and lasts longer.

Many people with knee arthritis don't get enough relief from standard treatments like pills and physical therapy. Researchers believe injecting this medication into the tight muscle spots around the knee might be just as effective and easier to do than injecting into the joint itself, offering patients a simpler pain management option.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 45 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with knee arthritis confirmed by X-ray and examined by a doctor
your knee pain has lasted more than 3 months
you have tried conservative treatments (like medications or therapy) but still have pain rated 3 or higher on a pain scale
you have at least one tight muscle trigger point in or around your knee that your doctor can identify

You likely don't qualify if…

you are allergic to corticosteroid medications
you regularly drink excessive alcohol or take opioid painkillers long-term
you have serious conditions like heart failure, liver or kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, or inflammatory arthritis
you had an injection into your knee within the past 6 months or are planning knee replacement surgery
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have an active infection

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to receive either an injection into the trigger points in your leg muscles or an injection directly into your knee joint. Both groups receive the same medication to reduce inflammation. After your injection, you'll return for check-ups at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks, where doctors will ask you about your pain levels and any side effects. The study lasts 2 years total, with the most frequent visits happening in the first 6 months.

Comparing two injection methods for knee arthritis pain relief

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)