At Vertex Pain Physicians, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments to alleviate joint pain and improve your quality of life. Joint injections are a proven and effective treatment option for individuals suffering from various acute and chronic joint conditions that cause pain.
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injections are minimally invasive medical procedures used to deliver medication directly into the joint space to reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness. These injections are commonly used to treat major joints such as the knees, shoulders, hips, and small joints like those in the hands and feet. Joint injections help manage various chronic conditions affecting the joints, providing targeted relief and improving mobility.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Joint Injections?
Joint injections can help manage pain and inflammation associated with a variety of conditions, including:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
An autoimmune disorder causing pain and swelling in the joints.
Tendonitis
Painful inflammation of tendons due to overuse or repetitive motion
Psoriatic Arthritis
Joint pain and swelling occurring alongside psoriasis.
Chronic Joint Overuse Syndrome
Pain from repetitive stress or overloading a specific joint. This is commonly seen in athletes and outdoor activity enthusiasts.
Osteoarthritis
Chronic breakdown of cartilage that causes pain and reduced joint function.
Bursitis
Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints.
Frozen Shoulder
Stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint caused by thickened tissue.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Arthritis that develops after a joint injury.
Gout
Inflammation caused by uric acid crystals in the joints, often leading to intense pain.
Injury-Related Pain
Pain from sprains, strains, or fractures.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine and large joints.
How Do Joint Injections Work?
Joint injections provide targeted relief by delivering medication directly into the joint space, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain. The injections are administered under fluoroscopic (real-time X-Ray) guidance, ensuring accurate delivery at the intended target site. Depending on the type of injection, medications like corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and/or or local anesthetics are used to relieve pain and inflammation effectively.
What Types of Joint Injections Do We Offer?
At Vertex Pain Physicians, we offer various joint injection options, each tailored to address specific types of joint pain. Here’s a closer look at the treatments we offer:
1
What Are Corticosteroid Injections?
- Purpose: Reduce swelling and pain by decreasing inflammation in the joint.
- How It Helps: Effective for calming joints inflamed due to arthritis or injuries.
- Ideal For: Conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis.
- Relief Duration: Relief typically lasts from a few weeks to a few months.
2
What Are Hyaluronic Acid Injections?
- Purpose: Acts as a lubricant to help joints move more smoothly.
- How It Helps: Restores cushioning in the joint, making movement easier and reducing pain.
- Ideal For: Osteoarthritis, especially in the knees and hips.
- Relief Duration: Benefits may last up to six months or longer with consistent treatment.
3
What Is Visco-supplementation?
- Purpose: Adds a gel-like substance to the joint to restore lost joint fluid.
- How It Helps: Reduces pain and stiffness by acting like a shock absorber.
- Ideal For: Primarily used for knee osteoarthritis but can help other joints.
- Relief Duration: Pain relief can last several months or more.
4
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
- Purpose: Uses a concentrated solution of your own blood’s platelets to promote tissue healing.
- How It Helps: Platelets release growth factors that aid in joint repair, reducing pain and improving function.
- Ideal For: Joint injuries (e.g., sports injuries) and early-stage osteoarthritis.
- Relief Duration: Gradual relief over weeks to months, with potential for long-lasting effects.
5
What Are Nerve-Blocking Injections (local anesthetics)?
- Purpose: Targets the nerves near the joint to block pain signals from reaching the brain.
- How It Helps: Provides temporary but significant pain relief, improving daily activities.
- Ideal For: Chronic pain conditions and post-surgical joint pain.
- Relief Duration: Short-term relief, often part of a broader pain management plan. It is often a diagnostic test for eventual treatment with radiofrequency nerve ablations.
When Should I Consider Joint Injections?
Joint injections are typically considered when:
- Other treatments like physical therapy, medications, or alternative therapies haven’t provided sufficient relief.
- Chronic joint pain is interfering with daily activities.
- You want a minimally invasive, effective alternative to surgery.
How Are Joint Injections Administered?
Joint injections are typically administered as an outpatient procedure and usually take less than 10 minutes. Here’s what to expect:
- Preparation: Your doctor will review your medical history and imaging studies.
- During the Procedure: The injection is given using fluoroscopic guidance for precision. Local anesthesia is applied to minimize discomfort.
- After the Procedure: You will be monitored briefly before going home. You may experience mild swelling or soreness at the injection site.
What Are the Benefits of Joint Injections?
Choosing joint injections offers a variety of benefits, including:
Minimally Invasive
Joint injections are quick and don’t require a lengthy recovery period.
Reduced Dependency on Medications
Joint injections reduce the need for long-term use of oral pain medications, including opioids.
Targeted Pain Relief
Medication is delivered directly to the joint, providing focused relief.
Improved Mobility
Many patients experience reduced pain and improved joint function, helping them return to daily activities.
What Are the Risks or Side Effects of Joint Injections?
While joint injections are generally safe, there are potential risks, including:
Swelling or Redness
Mild swelling or redness at the injection site is common.
Temporary Pain
You may experience temporary worsening of pain or stiffness before relief sets in.
Infection
Infection at the injection site is rare but possible.
Allergic Reactions
Rare allergic reactions to the injected medication.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Don’t let joint pain hold you back from enjoying life. At Vertex Pain Physicians, we’re here to help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life with joint injections.
Call us today or book an appointment online to begin your journey toward pain relief!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are joint injections painful?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, especially with the use of local anesthesia.
Are there any side effects?
Mild swelling, redness, or discomfort at the injection site may occur, but these symptoms usually resolve within a few days.
How many injections will I need?
The number of injections needed will vary depending on your condition. Your provider will develop a tailored treatment plan during your consultation.
What drugs are used in joint injections?
Common drugs include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and local anesthetics for targeted pain relief and inflammation reduction.
What are the benefits of joint injections?
They provide targeted pain relief, reduce inflammation, improve joint mobility, and may delay or prevent the need for surgery.
How long do joint injections take?
The procedure typically takes under 10 minutes, and most patients can go home immediately afterward.
How soon will I see results?
Relief can be immediate in some cases, or it may take a few days to weeks, depending on the type of injection.
Which injection is best for pain relief?
Corticosteroid injections are often used for quick relief, especially for inflammation due to arthritis. However, the best injection depends on your specific condition and medical needs.
How long do joint injections last?
Relief can last anywhere from weeks to several months, depending on the injection type and your body’s response.
Which injection is good for bones and joints?
Hyaluronic acid and PRP injections are excellent for joint lubrication and promoting tissue healing, while corticosteroids reduce inflammation effectively.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.
