Few things will get in the way of your normal daily routines faster than joint pain. Fortunately, joint injections can help and are among the services available from Lorenzo Berlanga, MD, of Medical Procedures Center in Midland, Michigan. Learn more about the role joint injections can play in your joint health during a personalized consultation. Booking an appointment is as simple as a phone call.
The primary cause of joint pain is inflammation or swelling within the joint. Inflammation can occur any time your joint is damaged, including after a traumatic or sports injury.
Conditions like arthritis can also bring on joint inflammation, as can tendinitis or bursitis. Some men and women experience sudden, acute joint pain, while for others, the condition is chronic. The first step in determining the proper treatment for joint pain is a thorough diagnostic evaluation.
Joint injections deliver pain relief and reduce inflammation almost immediately. Most injections include a combination of an anti-inflammatory steroid medication and some form of analgesic pain relief medication.
The solution is introduced into the joint through a hollow needle. Advanced imaging technology allows your doctor to “see” exactly where the needle is placed, ensuring you get the medication you need in the precise area where it can be most effective.
Once injected, the solution goes to work by reducing inflammation and masking pain.
Joint injections are not a permanent solution for joint pain. They can, however, reduce pain while you move through a course of physical therapy. Joint injections can also keep you comfortable as your body heals from a joint injury.
Joint injections can be an effective treatment for arthritis “flare-ups.” In some cases, the fluid within the joint can be aspirated using the reverse process of a joint injection. This can help relieve pressure within an inflamed joint, and the fluid can also be tested to learn more about the source of your joint pain.
Joint injections are a relatively simple procedure, and there is no significant recovery time needed. If you experience lingering sensitivity, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can keep you comfortable. You might also be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a couple of days after your procedure.
You should expect to notice a significant reduction in discomfort and swelling after your joint injection. If you experience increased pain or swelling, reach out to Medical Procedures Center right away to schedule a follow-up visit.
If you would like to learn more about joint injections and how they can keep you active and mobile, call the office today to schedule a one-on-one consultation. You can also book your appointment using the simple online scheduling tool.
