Joint injections involve injecting medication directly into a joint. The injection may contain a corticosteroid, a type of steroid that can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain, or hyaluronic acid, which can help improve joint lubrication and reduce friction. Here is what you need to know about the evaluation, diagnosis, and benefits of joint injections San Antonio:
Joint injections evaluation and diagnosis
Joint injections are typically part of a comprehensive treatment plan for people with joint pain or inflammation. Before considering joint injections, your healthcare provider will likely conduct a thorough evaluation and diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of your joint pain.
Evaluation
- Physical exam: A physical exam will evaluate the affected joint, including its range of motion, flexibility, and any signs of inflammation or tenderness.
- Medical history: Your healthcare provider will also review your medical history, including any past injuries or medical conditions that may be contributing to your joint pain.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans may also be ordered to evaluate the joint and look for signs of damage or inflammation.
Diagnosis
Based on the evaluation, your healthcare provider may diagnose the underlying cause of your joint pain, such as:
- Arthritis: Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain, and it can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exam findings and imaging tests.
- Injury: Joint pain caused by injury can often be diagnosed through a physical exam and review of your medical history.
- Bursitis or tendinitis: These conditions involve inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) or tendons around the joint and can be diagnosed through a combination of physical exam findings and imaging tests.
There are several potential benefits to receiving joint injections, including:
- Pain relief: Joint injections can provide quick and effective relief for people suffering from joint pain, such as arthritis or injury. The injections can target the specific area of pain, meaning pain relief is often faster and more targeted than other pain relief methods.
- Reduced inflammation: Joint injections can also help to reduce inflammation in the affected area. This can be particularly beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis, where inflammation can cause significant joint damage over time.
- Improved mobility: By reducing pain and inflammation, joint injections can also help to improve mobility in the affected joint. This can be particularly important for people with conditions that affect their ability to move, such as osteoarthritis.
- Avoiding surgery: Joint injections can be an effective alternative for some people. For example, injections may be recommended for people with mild to moderate arthritis who are not ready for joint replacement surgery.
- Long-lasting relief: Some types of joint injections, such as corticosteroid injections, can relieve pain and reduce inflammation for several weeks or even months. This can help to improve quality of life and reduce the need for other pain relief methods
It is recommended to speak with your doctor at the INJURY AND HEALTH INSTITUTE to determine if joint injections are the right choice for you.
