A complete plan for managing your arthritis will include an array of therapies and treatments. They may include self-care measures like diet, exercise and heat/cold therapies; physical therapy; oral medicines; topical medicines; and even some injectable treatments. Here we’ll review some of the medicines and other compounds that may be injected directly into your arthritis-affected joints as well as a needle procedure used to draw fluid out of the joint.
Corticosteroids
What it is: A combination of a corticosteroid (or “steroid”), like cortisone, and a numbing agent is injected directly into the joint affected by arthritis. These shots are given in the doctor’s office and here at Collier Family Medical is 1/10th of the price at a traditional doctor.
Benefits and Risks: Injections provide safe and effective reduction of pain and inflammation. Relief typically lasts about a month to three months.
Some people will have a temporary flare of pain in the injected joint, which should resolve in 48 hours. Repeated cortisone shots can cause the cartilage to deteriorate and weaken tendons and ligaments around the joint.
Scott Rodeo, MD, co-director of the Tissue Engineering, Regeneration, and Repair Program at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York says, “There’s no perfect data that says how often or how many steroid injections in a lifetime are OK; two or three over the course of year seems to be reasonable and safe.”
Who It’s Best For: Steroid injections are good for people with a very painful or inflamed joint who need fast, temporary relief.
Joints Treated: Ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, and small joints of the hands, feet, spine and wrists.
Call today to schedule your consultation 704-240-5260. Or enroll online at collierfamilymedical.com and we will call you!
