Joint Injections

Regardless of the cause, joint pain can reduce limb mobility to a greater extent and make daily activities difficult for an individual. Though many people consider joint replacement surgery the only treatment option for chronic joint pain, many other non-surgical options are equally effective. 

One of these non-invasive treatments is a technique where medication or a regenerative therapy is injected directly into the joint.

Types of Joint Injections

There are multiple types of joint injections available. Some work on reducing inflammation while others can act as a lubricant for the affected joint.

• Facet joint injections
  A facet joint injection is utilized to alleviate pain of the lower back, middle back, or neck. Facet joints are little joints in the spine that connect adjacent vertebrae. When these joints are damaged or degenerate, facet joint injections can help alleviate back pain and inflammation.

• Intra-articular Steroid Injections (Shoulder, hip, knee, etc.)
  Steroid-based joint injections are used to treat inflammation and pain in the affected joint. This type of therapy can help alleviate joint pain for several weeks to several months.

• Sacroiliac Joint Injections
  The sacroiliac joint is a large joint that connects the sacrum to the pelvis. Injections into these joints are given to alleviate pain in the buttocks and posterior thigh.

• Hyaluronic acid injections
  In case other traditional treatments fail to alleviate painful joint symptoms, hyaluronic acid injections can reduce pain and improve mobility. Hyaluronic acid is found naturally in the synovial fluids of the human body. The synovial fluid allows cartilage covering joints to glide against each other smoothly. Injections of hyaluronic acid can help to re-lubricate joints when osteoarthritis has damaged the cartilage.

• Platelet Rich Plasma
  PRP or platelet-rich plasma therapy is a regenerative treatment that utilizes the body’s natural growth factors to heal damaged tissues. The treatment involves injections of the patient’s platelet concentrate to improve the healing process of injured ligaments, tendons, joints, and muscles.  

What to Expect During the Treatment of Joint Injections?

The patient will either sit or lie down while the joint injection is administered. The skin over the targeted joint is cleaned, and local anesthesia is utilized to numb the affected area. Utilizing X-ray or ultrasound guidance, the physician inserts a needle into the specific joint and injects a combination of local anesthetic and treatment medication. The entire procedure takes only 10-20 minutes.

Risks Associated with Joint Injections

Joint injections are one of the most efficient ways to treat painful joint conditions, but they don’t cure the disease. Though these injections are entirely safe, there are some risks associated with joint injections, such as:

• Allergic reactions
• Infection
• Prolonged pain
• Tendon rupture
• Skin discoloration

The results of joint injections usually depend on the reason for the treatment. These injections may cause temporary pain and/or swelling that lasts up to 24-48 hours post-injection. Relief can last up to several months. 

Get Over the Pain with Monarch Pain Management

Dr. Przybysz, licensed under the American Board of Anesthesiologists, is always available to answer your questions regarding different body pain issues.

Schedule your appointment today and start living life fully again. Connect with us to book an appointment and reclaim your life with less pain.