Key Advantages of Arthritis Injection Therapy

Arthritis injections offer an effective alternative when oral medications fail to alleviate joint pain. While surgery is an option for treatment, many patients opt for non-invasive injections to manage their symptoms.

Common types of arthritis injections include hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) and corticosteroids. Their primary goal is to reduce joint discomfort and improve mobility.

The primary benefit of these injections is pain relief, enabling patients to resume daily activities and participate in physical therapies. This helps strengthen and stretch affected joints. If symptoms like swelling, redness, and inflammation persist despite medication, injections like Cortisone (a corticosteroid) can provide significant relief, reducing inflammation and alleviating pain.

Causes of Joint Inflammation

Inflammation occurs due to conditions such as:

• Damage to surrounding soft tissues like tendons and bursae, as seen in tendinitis or bursitis.
• Internal joint issues like osteoarthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis.

It's important to note that injections like Cortisone do not cure underlying conditions but help control symptoms. For example, they can mitigate gout flare-ups but do not prevent future episodes.

Why Consider Cortisone Injections?

Patients typically seek Cortisone injections either to treat symptoms or to assist in accurate diagnosis. These injections generally provide relief lasting from six weeks up to six months, depending on individual factors. This temporary relief allows patients to participate in physical therapy, improving joint function and reducing pain. For those wishing to delay or avoid surgery, injections can provide manageable symptom control.

Although arthritis is often chronic, Cortisone injections form part of comprehensive management strategies, delivering targeted anti-inflammatory effects with minimal side effects. Repeated use, however, may risk cartilage deterioration, limiting the number of injections over time.

Alternative Treatment Options

Beyond Cortisone, hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate joints and absorb shocks, especially in knees. These supplements are injected periodically, often over a course of three to five days, after draining a small amount of joint fluid. They are particularly beneficial in cases of osteoarthritis where natural hyaluronic acid diminishes, leading to increased discomfort.

If you suffer from arthritis pain, remember there are multiple options available. Following your healthcare provider’s guidance can help manage symptoms effectively, allowing for improved quality of life.