
The more we subject our bodies to, whether via competitive sports or just aging, the more joint discomfort we may experience. When joint discomfort interferes with your daily life, it is time to look for an alternative to over-the-counter pain medicines. Check out joint injections san antonio for more information.
What are arthritis and joint pain injections?
Joint injections deliver beneficial compounds straight into your joints or the tendons and ligaments surrounding them. They can decrease inflammation, regulate pain, and restore supporting structures.
Injections should not be seen as a stand-alone treatment but rather as a means to an aim. You must also complete rehab activities, such as physical or occupational therapy, to gain results.
Injections may be beneficial if you have pain in one joint due to an injury (or just wear and tear) or osteoarthritis in numerous joints. Injections may be used to treat joints throughout your body, including your hip, knee, shoulder, sacroiliac (SI) joint, ankle, and facet (spine) joints.
When can joint injections be used?
You must begin with proper rest, exercise, and diet fundamentals. If your doctor has tried to optimize your health through various means, but you are still uncomfortable, they may consider injections.
A deliberate and honest discussion with your doctor precedes the decision to have a joint injection. This costly procedure is frequently not covered by insurance. Insurance coverage may be unavailable since some of these injections are still experimental and not FDA-approved. You should consult your doctor to properly consider your alternatives when you pay out of pocket.
Injections used to treat joint discomfort
Based on your demands, your doctor will recommend a type of injection. Injectables range from well-known corticosteroids to cells harvested from your own body.
Cortisone shot
As a first-line therapy, you will most likely be given a cortisone shot, commonly known as a steroid injection. Cortisone injections are successful for many patients in fast lowering inflammation and discomfort directly inside the joint, but there are certain precautions to take.
Cortisone injections are frequently covered by insurance. If you suffer a mild injury, your pain may be relieved indefinitely. However, for chronic (long-term) pain, the steroid’s effects will be felt for roughly three months.
Knee gel injections
Hyaluronic acid, a dense material replicating the typical cushioning fluid inside your joints, makes gel injections. Some insurance policies may cover gel injections for your knee (and perhaps your shoulder).
Knee gel injections are effective for most knee discomfort, particularly if you have mild to severe arthritis. In most cases, the effects persist for 6 to 12 months.