Injections Specialist

What are joint injections?

Joint injections contain substances that reduce pain and inflammation in your joints, such as your shoulders, hips, knees, wrists, ankles, spine, and other targeted tissues. Joints are made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Joint injections can ease your discomfort and offer you the best quality of life possible.

What kinds of joint injections are there?

The two primary kinds of joint injections available at Rheumatology Associates are corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid (Hyalgan®, Euflexxa®, and GenVisc®). Corticosteroids reduce the joint inflammation responsible for pain. Hyaluronic acid injections improve joint lubrication, enhance joint function, increase the joint’s range of motion, and reduce pain.

What are the benefits of joint injections?

The main benefits you can expect after receiving joint injections at Rheumatology Associates include:

• Less swelling
• Diminished pain
• Reduced stiffness
• Improved joint function
• Increased range of motion
• Improved mobility
• Better quality of life

Joint injections are a simple treatment that can produce dramatic improvements in how your joints feel and function.

Are joint injections right for me?

To find out if you’re a candidate for joint injections, the Rheumatology Associates team discusses your medical history and your symptoms with you. They check your vital signs and complete a physical exam to look for signs of rheumatoid arthritis, other autoimmune diseases, and injuries.

Rheumatology Associates specialists often recommend that you undergo blood tests, fluid tests, and imaging (X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or ultrasound).

What happens during joint injections

During joint injections at Rheumatology Associates, you relax in a comfortable chair or on an exam table. Your specialist numbs the treatment area to ensure that you avoid discomfort and offers a sedative if needed to help you relax. Using X-ray guidance, your provider inserts a needle into affected joints and injects corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid into the tissues.

What should I expect after joint injections?

After the procedure, you can expect some swelling, redness, and tenderness at the injection sites. If you’ve received a sedative, have a family member or friend drive you home and get plenty of rest. When the effects of the injections kick in, you can expect less pain and improved joint function. If needed, repeat injections can improve your results.

Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the joint injections available at Rheumatology Associates.