22 Jan What Does “Joint Injections” Mean?
“Joint injections” can mean a lot of things, but it’s usually steroid/cortisone injections. They’re an excellent pain alternative to surgery or prescription medications in many cases. Not addictive, often long-lasting, and with no significant side effects, Integrated Pain Consultants often recommends joint injections for those suffering from a myriad of pains and looking for a non-surgical alternative. Common complaints include rotator cuff injuries, knee pain, partially torn tendons and ligaments, and impinged shoulder pain.
Why Joint Injections Are Useful
Major joints in the body, such as the shoulders, hips, and knees, are unfortunately common injury sites. The shoulder is the most injured joint of all thanks to its mobility, numerous working parts, and how heavily we rely on it. With a joint injection, the IV is used to give a relaxing agent to the patient. A topical numbing agent is applied to the injection site so that the patient will feel a sting, at worst. Afterwards, fluoroscopy is used to help guide the needle into the joint. Contrast dye is also included in the injection to ensure the medicine saturates the right places. A blend of anesthetic and anti-inflammatory cortisone is slowly injected in this in-office procedure.
How Joint Injections Help Relieve Pain
Most patients have heard of “steroid injections” before. It’s one of the most common alternative therapies to drugs and surgeries. For some patients, even those who have tried it all from physical therapy to over the counter medications, joint injections are what finally give them long-lasting relief. How many injections a patient needs depends on their injury, pain, and goals. However, in some cases, joint injections can permanently decrease or stop pain to such a degree that the patient never needs future injections. In other cases, patients might need routine injections throughout their life—especially if they’re an athlete or the injury was caused by a repetitive stress (such as construction work).
Contact Integrated Pain Consultants About Joint Injections
Steroid injections aren’t the same kinds of steroids used to “bulk up.” Side effects, if any, are minimal and most often include soreness or swelling briefly at the injection site. Joint injections are also non-addictive and pose no risks even with routine use as long as they are well managed by expert pain experts. Want to find out more? Contact Integrated Pain Consultants today – 480-626-2552. We also invite you to learn more about Dr. Nikesh Seth and other providers including Dr. Anne-Marie Cosijns, Dr. Lisa Sparks, Dr. Michael Givens, and our team of Nurse Practitioners.