Benefits of Joint Injections

Are Joint Injections the Right Treatment for Me?

If you struggle with chronic pain, joint injections may be a treatment option worth considering as a stepping stone toward recovery. This treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, and the risks associated with orthopedic injections are low and generally well tolerated.

If you are struggling with chronic joint pain, keep reading to learn if this treatment option is appropriate for you.

What Are Joint Injections?

Physiatrists use these injections to relieve pain and improve function in the affected joint—usually done using a local anesthetic. The medication is injected into the joint space, the area between the bones that make up the joint. Most commonly, anti-inflammatory corticosteroid injections are used to provide long-term pain relief. This treatment is also used to treat other orthopedic conditions like bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis.

Other forms of orthopedic joint injections include:

• Viscosupplementation injections: made of hyaluronic acid, which decreases friction during movement, reduces pain and improves the range of motion for osteoarthritis patients.
• Platelet-rich plasma injections: use a patient’s platelets to help heal injured joints, tendons, and soft tissues. Conditions that can be treated with this treatment range from chronic tendon issues to nerve damage, muscle injuries, and more.
• Stem cell injections: use a patient’s regenerative stem cells to treat osteoarthritis and various soft tissue injuries, as stem cells aid in rebuilding soft tissue, cartilage, and bone.

Additional benefits of these joint injections include:

Preparing for Physical Therapy

Whether you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, a sports injury, or another orthopedic condition, joint injections can be used to help you reduce pain after an injury and prepare for the path to healing. Using this method can provide significant relief of pain in the affected joint. This can help to regain control of your everyday life without pain getting in the way.

Improvement of Function

In addition to relieving pain, this treatment option can also help to improve joint function. Orthopedic injections help improve mobility because they reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. This can allow you to move more quickly and participate in activities you enjoy.

Avoidance of Surgery

In some cases, joint injections can avoid the need for surgery. Often, joint replacement surgery is saved for extreme cases of reduced mobility or joint pain if other options cannot help ease symptoms. This orthopedic option can help save time and money and reduce the risk of complications associated with surgery.

Read More: When to See an Orthopedic Surgeon

Geneva, IL Joint Pain Relief

If you're interested in joint injections as a treatment option, our team at Fox Valley Orthopedics is here to help. They will be able to assess your individual situation and determine if joint injections are right for you.

To book a new appointment or consultation with our team, contact us today.