JOINT INJECTIONS
A joint injection is a non-surgical method of bringing relief to joint pain. It is often used when physical therapy and medications are not alleviating the pain well enough. This procedure involves injecting a solution of corticosteroid (or other medications) and anesthetic into the joint where damaged tissue is located.
Having injections done to the joints in the wrists, knees, shoulders, hips, and other areas can create pain relief. In addition, it will improve range of motion and may make it easier to participate in physical therapy exercises that used to be too challenging.
The most common form of joint injection is a corticosteroid. These combine anesthetic with steroid medication to eliminate inflammation and stop the pain.
Commonly used in the knee, hyaluronic acid injections are another option. These are typically utilized if corticosteroids are not successful at alleviating pain. The substance is similar to what the body uses to lubricate the joints. Injections help increase lubrication in joints so they function properly.
Pain in the shoulder, knee, and hip are often treated using joint injections. In many cases, the pain is related to one of the following:
- Degenerative arthritis
- Injury
- Osteoarthritis
- Stress from poor
- mechanics
- Tendonitis
In some cases, the cause of a person’s pain can be determined with the use of joint injections. As an example, an anesthetic could be injected into the joint of the knee. If this causes pain relief in the leg, this could indicate that the knee is where the pain is centered.
One of the most substantial benefits of joint injections is that they are a less invasive form of pain relief. For patients who prefer to avoid surgery, injections may bring pain relief without the stress of more invasive procedures.
Joint injections are also a versatile treatment option. While injections are most common in the ankle, shoulder, hip, and knees, they can also be used in the wrist and elbow joints. This can bring relief from many conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, gout, tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis.
When having a joint injection, the process takes about 30 minutes to an hour in most cases. There is also a limited recovery period to be aware of. The physician will guide the needle into the appropriate location to be effective for your joint pain. After the injection has been done, the anesthetic should provide relief nearly immediately.
The initial pain relief is temporary, many will feel swelling and soreness later in the day. However, the steroid will start to work and lessen the inflammation in your tissues. The full results of treatment should be felt in a few days.
At Modern Pain Consultants, we’re dedicated to helping with pain in the joints and other parts of the body. We provide non-surgical procedures in our state-of-the-art treatment suite. All treatments are evidence-based and proven to offer extreme pain relief. Many offer immediate results so you can go back to life as usual.
Joint injections are also a versatile treatment option. While injections are most common in the ankle, shoulder, hip, and knees, they can also be used in the wrist and elbow joints. This can bring relief from many conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, gout, tendonitis, bursitis, and arthritis.