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Joint Injections Q & A

What are joint injections?

Joint injections are a medical procedure involving the injection of a medication into a joint space to relieve pain. Joint injections are made with corticosteroids and anesthetic medications, both of which can relieve pain and decrease inflammation in your joints for improved function and comfort.

How do joint injections relieve pain?

The most common component of a joint injection is an anesthetic medication. Anesthetics are used to numb the nerves in an area to prevent pain signals.

The second component in joint injections is a corticosteroid medication. Corticosteroids prevent inflammatory chemicals from attacking sensitive or injured cartilage in your joint. With less joint inflammation, you can see a reduction in swelling and pain.

Another common addition to joint injections is hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in your tissues and is responsible for maintaining moisture levels. With age, your body breaks down the existing hyaluronic acid in your joints, leading to stiffness.

Using hyaluronic acid along with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), if desired, increases hydration in your joints while promoting an anti-inflammatory response so your body can heal naturally and you can enjoy lasting pain relief.

What conditions can benefit from joint injections?

Dr. Turok and the team offer joint injections for:

• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow pain
• Pain in your wrists, hands, or ankles
• Arthritis

Joint injections can be used alongside other treatments, like physical therapy and chiropractic care, to relieve pain and improve the function of your joints.

What happens when you get a joint injection?

When you arrive for your joint injection, Dr. Turok assesses your symptoms and determines the ideal location for your injection. Once you're ready, he cleans your skin and gently inserts a needle through your skin and into your joint using fluoroscopy to guide the needle for precise placement.

The injection takes less than five minutes, and then he removes the needle and bandages the area.

How quickly do joint injections relieve pain?

You can return to your normal activities immediately after your joint injection, though you should wait several days to do any strenuous exercise. Some people report mild stinging from the anesthetic after their injection.

In many cases, the anesthetic takes effect right away and you quickly feel pain relief. Long-term pain relief can last 3-6 months or longer depending on your condition and the severity of your pain before treatment.

Find out if a joint injection can help you by calling the office or scheduling a consultation online now.

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