Joint injections are a type of treatment that involves injecting medication into a joint. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Injections can be done on any joint in the body, but they are most commonly done on the knees, hips, back, neck, and shoulders. There are different types of joint injections, such as:
Corticosteroid Injections:
These are the most common type of joint injections. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including different types of arthritis. Corticosteroids are a type of anti-inflammatory medication that can help reduce pain and swelling.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections:
These injections are used when corticosteroid injections are no longer effective. They are to treat osteoarthritis in the knee by injecting hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is found naturally in the body and helps to lubricate and cushion the joints.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections:
These injections are used to treat a variety of conditions, including tendinitis and arthritis. Platelet-rich plasma is a type of blood product that contains a higher concentration of platelets than what is found in the blood. Platelets are cells that help with blood clotting and healing. Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the joint reduces inflammation and can help to promote healing.
Did You Know?
As many as 30 million Americans live with joint pain of some type. While any joint can be affected by pain, the most common locations of joint pain are the knees, hips, fingers, and shoulders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Am I a candidate for joint injections?
You may be a candidate for joint injections if the cause of your pain is directly related to joint inflammation. Joint injections are generally safe and effective for most people. However, there are some risks associated with them. Before getting a joint injection, be sure to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits to ensure that joint injections are right for you.
What can I expect when getting a joint injection?
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that may be in the way of the injection site. You will then be asked to lie down on a table or bed. The injection site will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthesia may be used to numb the area and an ultrasound may be used to provide visualization of the joint. Once the area is numb, your doctor will insert a needle into the joint and inject the medication. In some cases, fluid build-up may also be removed before injecting the medication. You may feel a brief sting when the needle is inserted. After the injection, you will be asked to remain still for a few minutes so that the medication can be absorbed.
What can I expect after a joint injection?
Most people experience relief from pain and inflammation within a few days of getting a joint injection. However, it may take up to a week for the full effects of the medication to be felt. In the meantime, ice, NSAIDS, or Tylenol can be used for pain relief. You should avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting for at least 48 hours after the injection. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for the injection site. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your doctor.
Some of the Joint Injections Offered at MVM Health Pain Vein and Wellness includes:
Shoulder Joint Injections
This outpatient injection procedure relieves pain in the shoulder and arm caused by arthritis, injury or disorder.
Steroid Injection for Shoulder Bursitis
This injection treats shoulder bursitis. That’s an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac called a “bursa” in your shoulder. You have these sacs throughout your body. They are a cushion between bones and soft tissues. An inflamed bursa is painful.
Subacromial Joint Injection
Subacromial injections are useful for a range of conditions including adhesive capsulitis, sub-deltoid bursitis, impingement syndrome, and rotator cuff tendinosis.
Knee Joint Injection
This non-operative, outpatient procedure is designed to provide relief for patients with arthritis of the knee. The technique allows the physician to inject an inflammation-reducing steroid with maximum accuracy.
HIP JOINT INJECTION
If you have pain in your hip, your doctor may inject medicine into your hip joint. It can help your doctor find where your pain is coming from. It can also make your hip feel better.
Facet Joint Injections
The facet joints, found on both sides of the back of the spine, can become painfully irritated or inflamed. A facet joint injection may help diagnose the source of a patient’s pain. It can also relieve pain and inflammation.
Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injection
This injection procedure is performed to relieve pain caused by arthritis in the sacroiliac joint where the spine and hip bone meet. The steroid medication can reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint.
Looking for Pain Relief?
MVM Health: Pain, Vein, and Wellness services LeHigh Valley, Scranton, Wilkes Barre, and surrounding communities. Reach out to us today to request an appointment.
