Injections play a crucial role in alleviating pain, primarily through the medication they deliver rather than the injection process itself. Conditions such as osteoarthritis can provoke irritation and inflammation within joints, leading to debilitating pain and restricted range of motion. Particularly affecting joints like the knees, hips, shoulders, and spine, osteoarthritis can significantly impede daily activities and hinder participation in beneficial treatments such as physical therapy.

The injection, typically comprising an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, serves to mitigate inflammation and swelling, thereby offering substantial pain relief lasting several months. While the injection may also include an anesthetic for temporary pain relief, its primary objective remains reducing inflammation. In most cases, injections complement other therapeutic interventions, enhancing overall efficacy.

Advanced injection therapies, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy, have emerged as promising alternatives. PRP injections harness growth factors and proteins to facilitate soft tissue healing, with research indicating their potential to modulate the body's immune response to injury, thereby reducing inflammation.

What joints can benefit from injection therapy?

At Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center, injection therapy is commonly recommended for painful:

- Knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, and elbow joints

- Sacroiliac joints in the lower back

- Facet joints in the cervical and lumbar spine

Additionally, nerve blocks may be advised to disrupt pain signals traveling from the affected area to the brain, while radiofrequency ablation offers longer-lasting pain relief.

Understanding Radiofrequency Ablation:

Radiofrequency ablation employs radio waves transmitted through small insulated needles to selectively ablate damaged nerve tissue, providing relief from chronic pain associated with various conditions, including injuries like whiplash, spinal arthritis (spondylosis), peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, and prior spine surgeries. This technique is often recommended for conditions resistant to nerve blocks or conventional injections, offering prolonged relief.

Are joint injections safe?

Each orthopedist at Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center possesses board certification and/or fellowship training, ensuring proficiency in administering injections safely. Utilizing advanced ultrasound or X-ray guidance, your physician ensures precise placement and dispersion of the injection, enhancing safety and efficacy.

For those seeking advanced diagnosis and treatment, possibly including injections, contacting Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center or scheduling an appointment online is recommended.

New patients, call us at 727-645-0925 or 813-945-2663

Existing patients can click here to find an appointment time that works for you.