Joint injections may be an effective way to get relief if you are dealing with chronic joint pain or inflammation. The injections involve injecting a drug directly into the affected area of your joint to provide localized pain relief and reduce inflammation. Cary joint injections can relieve joint and other related pain, reducing the need for long-term medications.
When you visit the doctor for a joint injection, your physician will first examine the affected area to assess the cause and severity of your pain. After that, the specialist will decide which injection is best for you. In most cases, an anti-inflammatory medication such as cortisone reduces inflammation and relieves pain.
Depending on your condition, the injection may be done as a single shot, or you may need repeated injections over a while. The effects of the injections can last from months to years, depending on your health and the type of medication used.
Table of Contents
Types of joint injections
These are the type of joint injections you should know:
- Steroid or cortisone injections are typically used for joint pain relief and inflammation. They help reduce the production of substances that cause swelling and can be used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout, and tendonitis.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: This injection helps to replace the natural synovial fluid in the joints, which is responsible for lubrication and cushioning. Hyaluronic acid injections are often used for treating knee osteoarthritis.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: PRP injections involve injecting your blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets into the affected joint. This injection helps stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms and can be used for treating various conditions, including tendonitis, ligament sprains, and other sports injuries.
Benefits of Joint Injections
Joint injections offer many benefits when managing chronic joint pain and inflammation. Here are some of the most notable benefits of this type of treatment:
Immediate relief from symptoms
When you suffer from joint pain or inflammation, the most immediate benefit of a joint injection is relief from symptoms. Many people experience almost instant relief after an injection instead of waiting weeks or months for medications to take effect. Some signs that can be relieved with joint injections include pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Relatively low risk of side effects
Joint injections are generally safe and have a very low risk of side effects when administered by a qualified medical professional. Since the medication is injected directly into the joint, it doesn’t need to travel through the body as oral medications do, so there is less risk of experiencing any unpleasant side effects.
Long-term relief from symptoms
Joint injections can provide many people with long-term relief from joint pain and inflammation. This is especially true for chronic conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis. While the effects of an injection typically last for several months, some people may experience relief for up to a year.
Reduced need for long-term medication
Joint injections can help reduce the need for long-term medications, which can be costly and may come with various side effects. For many people, joint injections can provide lasting relief from pain and inflammation without taking daily medications.
If you are dealing with chronic joint pain or inflammation, talk to your doctor at Generations Family Practice about the possible benefits of joint injections.
