If you’re experiencing pain, swelling and other joint-related symptoms, your medical provider may suggest joint injections as a treatment option. Injections are a nonsurgical treatment that can provide temporary or longer-lasting relief from inflammation and the symptoms it causes.
Wondering whether joint injections might be an option for you? Specialists at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Orthopedic Surgery or NGPG Sports Medicine can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and whether joint injections would help.
What are the different types of joint injections?
At NGPG, we offer three types of joint injections:
- Cortisone injections, also called corticosteroid injections, involve the injection of a steroid medication and an anesthetic to reduce joint inflammation. In most cases, patients experience symptom relief quickly after undergoing corticosteroid injections. The effects of the injection typically last for a month or slightly longer, though it’s different with every patient.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections may be recommended if cortisone injections don’t offer relief. Several different forms of HA injections—under the brand names Euflexxa, Synvisc, and Supartz—work by lubricating the joint, similar to how synovium works in an undamaged joint. HA injections lubricate the affected joint, helping to cushion and protect it.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections leverage the healing powers of your blood. Blood is drawn from the body and certain components, including platelets and proteins, are siphoned out. Those components are injected back into the body to offer anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating benefits, promoting healing in cartilage and tissues.
Your specialist can recommend the type of joint injection that will work best for your needs, as well as a schedule for undergoing injections.
What conditions can joint injections help?
Joint injections can provide relief from pain and swelling related to many different conditions, including:
- Acute or overuse-related joint injury
- Bursitis
- Cartilage tears
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tendonitis
What are the pros and cons of joint injections?
Though the specifics vary depending on the type of injection, joint injections typically provide symptom relief for most patients. They offer a nonsurgical treatment option for patients who are not experiencing relief using other therapies such as over the counter or prescription anti-inflammatories or physical therapy.
Joint injections are well-tolerated in most cases, though they may cause temporary pain, bleeding, or swelling at the injection site. Rarely, joint injections can cause infection.
The only other con of joint injections is that they aren’t usually intended for long-term treatment of joint problems. If symptoms linger, other treatment, including surgery, may be recommended.
Choose NGPG for joint injections
If you’re experiencing joint pain, swelling and other disruptive symptoms, you can access the care you need at NGPG Orthopedic Surgery. Our specialty-trained providers can diagnose and offer treatment for many different joint conditions, including acute injuries and the degenerative effects of arthritis.
Patients can access various treatment options through our providers, including joint injections. These injections are provided using ultrasound guidance, allowing us to ensure the medication reaches the exact spot where it’s most needed.