JOINT INJECTIONS

Joint injections are minimally invasive procedures where the physician will use a sterile technique to inject medication directly into a joint. The injection is given with the guidance of imaging techniques, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, to ensure accurate placement of the needle and medication into the joint. This will help significantly alleviate pain, inflammation, and stiffness. This treatment can be used to manage pain caused by a variety of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, bursitis, tendonitis, and other types of joint inflammation.

The medication injected into the joint may include:

1.  A combination of a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, and a corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory medication that can help reduce swelling and pain. 
2. Platelet-Rich Plasma joint injections, which involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood into the affected joint. Platelets contain growth factors that can help stimulate healing and tissue regeneration. When injected into a joint, the concentrated platelets can help reduce inflammation and pain, while also promoting the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues. 

After receiving a joint injection, patients should expect some immediate relief from their pain. Patients may feel some mild discomfort or soreness at the injection site, but this usually subsides within a few days. It is important to rest the affected joint for a short period of time after the injection to allow the medication to take effect. In general, some people may feel immediate relief after the injection, while others may take take up to 2 weeks to experience a significant improvement in their symptoms. It is not uncommon for some individuals to experience an initial increase in pain or discomfort after the injection, followed by a gradual decrease in symptoms over time.