Severe joint pain is a leading cause of a decreased quality of life due to a sedentary lifestyle. Fortunately, you can opt for joint injections if over-the-counter painkillers don’t relieve your pain. Cary joint injections aim to reduce pain and inflammation and promote an increased range of motion.
Depending on how long they last, you can have joint injections after two or six months.
Who is the right candidate?
You are the right candidate for the procedure if your severe joint pain limits your range of motion and mobility. Your specialist can recommend joint injections if you have arthritis, gout, or pain caused by wear and tear in your joints. Before you receive treatment, you will undergo several tests, including a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging scans like X-rays and MRIs.
Types of joint injections
You can receive the following types of injections for your joint pain.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that naturally occurs in your body but diminishes with time. It cushions and lubricates your joints and tissues. Your specialist can inject the solution into painful joints to promote healing, lubrication, and mobility. The injections usually last for about six months
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections contain pain-relieving anti-inflammatory medication and numbing agents. Your specialist will inject the medication into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and other arthritis-related symptoms.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
PRP injections are concentrated solutions of platelets made from your blood sample. Your doctor withdraws a blood sample from your arm and prepares it in a centrifuge to separate blood components and acquire the concentrated solution.
Benefits of joint injections
The following are the benefits of joint injections for painful and stiff joints.
Less pain and swelling
Joint injections contain anti-inflammatory properties and painkillers. After an injection, you might feel instant pain relief, or your body can take a little more time to adjust to your medications as it relieves pain. Less pain and swelling can increase movement and the resumption of your normal daily routine.
Increased flexibility
Pain can reduce your range of motion due to stiff joints and tissues. The joint injections can reduce swelling and promote joint lubrication to support flexibility.
Increased mobility
Pain can decrease your mobility enabling a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting all day due to pain and limited mobility increases your chances of obesity and cardiovascular diseases. Once you have joint injections, you can move around and engage in exercises to help you lose or maintain a healthy weight.
They are convenient
Since joint injections can last several months, you will not need to take medications daily. The injections eliminate the need to have a reminder to take your daily oral pills to manage pain. With joint injections, you will not need to visit your specialist daily to have the injections administered.
If you have stiff and painful joints, visit Generations Family Practice for joint injections. The medicine team will review your medical history and symptoms before administering treatment. Call or book your appointment online and improve the quality of your life.
