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Bursa injections offer a precise, powerful way to significantly reduce the pain and inflammation in joints resulting from bursitis or other causes.
What is Bursa Injection?
A bursa injection delivers a precise treatment to minimize the inflammation and pain within a bursa, which is a joint’s protective, fluid-filled cushion. This technique is routinely applied to boost joint pain relief and combat bursitis, the agonizing inflammation of these sacs, often occurring in the hips, knees, shoulders, or elbows.
The Bursa Explained: Function and Importance
A bursa is a small, fluid-filled pouch that minimizes friction among bones, muscles, and tendons near joints. These sacs function as critical cushions, ensuring the smooth, comfortable movement of your joints. Bursae are distributed across the body, commonly affected locations include the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. When a bursa swells—a condition called bursitis—it causes considerable pain and discomfort, restricting motion in that joint. This inflammation often stems from repetitive activity or extended pressure, yet trauma, infection, or issues such as arthritis can also contribute. Knowing the bursa’s role highlights why bursa injections are a valuable treatment. By directly addressing the inflammation’s source, these injections relieve pain, helping you recover mobility and improve overall life quality.
How We Perform Your Bursa Injection
Your physician will execute the bursa injection therapy with you carefully positioned for optimal access to the joint in question. After thoroughly cleansing the area with an antiseptic, a local anesthetic is applied to minimize any discomfort. A needle is then precisely inserted, often utilizing ultrasound guidance, to deliver medication directly into the inflamed bursa. This swift pain relief procedure is a quick process, typically completed within just a few minutes.
The bursa injection serves the therapeutic goal of reducing pain and inflammation. Crucially, it also helps diagnose the source of your joint pain. If significant relief is achieved, it confirms that the bursa is the origin of the discomfort, validating this treatment. Successfully achieving relief supports the efficacy of this bursitis treatment, establishing a precedent for future similar therapeutic joint injections.
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Pre-Op and Post-Op Instructions
Pre-Injection Instructions
Please arrange necessary transportation if you are advised against driving following your procedure. Discuss all current medications with your physician for any required changes, and if you have diabetes, strict glucose control is mandatory for seven days prior. Consult your doctor regarding managing any blood thinners and to obtain a required cardiac clearance letter. Report any signs of active infection, as your appointment may need to be rescheduled.
Post-Injection Instructions
Rest the treated joint, avoiding strenuous activity for a period of 24 to 48 hours. Apply ice as needed to manage minor discomfort or swelling. Avoid swimming or saunas for up to two days after the injection. Monitor the injection site for any signs of infection or adverse reactions, and immediately contact the clinic if any occur. Schedule a follow-up appointment to assess the treatment’s success, targeting 80% symptom improvement
What Comes Next After Your Bursa Injection?
If your symptoms remain or if the condition returns, further bursa injections or alternative care may be considered. Your physician will design a full treatment plan to reduce joint inflammation, including physical therapy or changes to your lifestyle to prevent future issues. If you require joint pain relief, schedule a consultation with MVM Health today to discuss options and begin your journey toward a life free from pain.
Bursa Injections
FAQ
Who Is a Candidate for a Bursa Injection?
A bursa injection is ideal for people with bursitis or lasting joint pain, especially when symptoms haven’t improved with conservative care like ice, rest, or physical therapy. Candidates usually suffer significant pain and inflammation in the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee joints. Patients must be free of active infections or allergies to the injected medication. A necessary consultation with your physician is required to determine if a bursa injection is the right course of action for you.
What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Bursa Injections?
While bursa injections are very safe overall, there are some potential risks and side effects you should be aware of. Temporary redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site are common side effects. Rarely, patients might experience bleeding, infection, or an allergic response to the medicine. Long-term use of corticosteroid injections can potentially weaken tendons or other joint tissues. Discussing these risks with your physician will ensure you make a well-informed decision about your treatment plan.
How Long Does the Relief from a Bursa Injection Last?
The length of time you’ll experience pain relief from a bursa injection depends on your body and the severity of your condition. Patients often find relief lasting from several weeks up to a few months. If the injection proves successful, your physician may suggest repeat injections or complementary treatments to sustain the benefits. Other therapeutic approaches, such as regular physical therapy, may also be recommended to both enhance and prolong the injection’s positive effects.
How Often Can Bursa Injections Be Repeated?
The frequency of bursa injections depends on your specific condition and how effectively you respond to the procedure. Physicians typically advise waiting at least three to six months between injections. This period allows your body to heal and prevents potential complications from repeated corticosteroid exposure. However, your exact treatment schedule is determined by your individual needs and your physician’s clinical guidance. Regular follow-ups are crucial for optimizing your treatment plan.
Is the Bursa Injection Procedure Painful?
Most patients consider the bursa injection procedure to be both quick and minimally painful. The area is typically numbed with a local anesthetic before the injection occurs, which works to minimize discomfort. While some patients may report a quick feeling of pressure or a minor pinch during the injection, the sensation is usually brief and mild. If you have concerns about pain, discuss them with your physician, who can employ extra measures to maximize your comfort during the treatment.
How Does a Bursa Injection Compare to Other Treatments?
Bursa injections are a targeted treatment, often delivering relief that is more localized and faster than solely relying on physical therapy or oral medications. They are highly effective for reducing pain and inflammation in chronic joint pain or bursitis cases. Compared to surgery, these injections are minimally invasive and pose fewer risks, making them an excellent initial treatment choice. However, they are often combined with other therapies, like lifestyle adjustments or physical therapy, to achieve the best long-term results, as they may not be a permanent solution.