Joints in the body oftentimes become inflamed and painful for a variety of reasons. Joint pain can occur due to medical conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and other long-lasting medical diagnoses. In addition to treating the specific medical conditions, doctors and other health professionals treat the specific symptoms to provide pain relief and swelling alleviation. Here is some helpful information about joint injection services and what you can expect when this treatment method is prescribed.
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injection therapy consists of injecting a medication directly into specific joint spaces within the body. This common therapy technique helps the patient manage inflammation and pain that may be associated with a wide array of medical conditions, such as arthritis and general joint pain. Your medical professional may prescribe joint injections to help you achieve relief from daily pain.
How Do Joint Injections Alleviate Pain?
The joint injections help alleviate pain in many ways with the specific pain relief dependent on the type of medication used. Some of the medications used with joint injections include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and more. When corticosteroids are injected into the joint spaces, the patient will receive reduction of inflammation and pain relief results. If the medical professional uses hyaluronic acid when administering joint injections, the patient may achieve relief as the substance lubricates and cushions the joints.
What Medical Conditions Do Joint Injections Treat?
Joint injections can be useful to help patients with certain medical conditions alleviate their pain and reduce inflammation. Osteoarthritis patients may benefit from joint injection treatments. Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease which results in joint cartilage breaking down. Individuals who suffer from osteoarthritis often experience reduced mobility, pain, and stiffness and this type of medical condition often affects hips, knees, and hands.
People who experience rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, may also benefit from joint injections. Rheumatoid arthritis can result in chronic joint inflammation and, if untreated, may lead to pain, joint damage, and deformities. Joint injections will go directly to the source of the pain and help reduce inflammation.
Bursitis is another medical condition where joint injections may be prescribed. Bursitis is bursae inflammation. These small, fluid-like sacs help to cushion bones, muscles, and tendons that are located near the joints. Individuals who suffer from bursitis may experience pain and inflammation in their elbows, hips, and shoulders.
What is the General Procedure?
The joint injection process is quite straightforward and many patients experience positive results from these treatments. If your doctor prescribes joint injection treatments, the process is generally as follows:
- The patient sits in a comfortable position where the medical health professional can access the target area.
- With the assistance of an ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the thin needle is inserted into the affected joint space and a corticosteroid and occasionally a local anesthetic is injected directly into the joint area.
- Joint injection treatments are often performed in an outpatient setting and the entire process only takes a few minutes.
Do You Need Joint Injections?
Your doctor will let you know if you may benefit from joint injection treatments. However, these are some reasons to consider joint injections:
- Consistent joint stiffness and pain
- Swelling and inflammation in the joint area
- Unable to achieve full range of motion in the joint area
- Recurring pain in the area that becomes worse with activity and feels better with rest
- Oral pain medications don’t work well
Ask your health professional if joint injection treatments may help you with your medical condition.
Trust Your Joint Injection Needs to Eclipse Clinic in Waxahachie, Texas
If you’re ready to try joint injection treatments to help you combat your pain and inflammation issues, the Eclipse Clinic team is here to help! Our professional, friendly team will provide you with the treatments you need to help you feel better, gain more mobility, and reduce inflammation in your joints.
In addition to joint injection services, Eclipse Clinic offers comprehensive pain management services in Waxahachie, Texas, including diagnostic testing, sports and physical rehab, and advanced treatment offerings.
Contact Eclipse Clinic today to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment!