Joint injections are becoming more and more popular as a treatment for arthritis and other joint pain. But with so many different types of injections available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. 

In this article, we will discuss the types of joint injections to help you decide which one is best for the type of pain that you, your patient, or your loved one is experiencing. 

But, before that, what exactly are joint injections?

 

What Are Joint Injections? 

 

Joint injections are a medical procedure in which a substance is injected into a joint to treat pain and inflammation. The most common joint injections are steroid injections, which are used to treat conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. 

Other types of joint injections include Viscosupplementation injections, which are used to treat osteoarthritis, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which are used to treat chronic tendon injuries.

Injections are a helpful way to diagnose and treat a number of musculoskeletal issues. Aspirating fluid for analysis can help diagnose pain while increasing range of motion can be used to assess pain relief. Local anesthetics can be injected for pain relief, while corticosteroids can be delivered to suppress inflammation.

 

They are a common medical procedure with few side effects. However, some risks associated with injections include tendon rupture, infection, steroid flare, hypopigmentation, and soft tissue atrophy. It is important for medical professionals to have a thorough understanding of the agents used and the anatomy of the targeted area in order to minimize these risks.

 

What Are the Different Types of Joint Injections?

 

Corticosteroid Injections

 

Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for a variety of orthopedic conditions, such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff tear. They are also used to treat chronic conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids are a type of hormone that is produced by the adrenal gland. They have a wide range of effects, including reducing inflammation.

 

Hylauronic Acid Injections

 

Natural lubricants such as hyaluronic acid keep joints in good condition. Patients with osteoarthritis typically receive hyaluronic acid injections in the knee to alleviate joint pain. Because hyaluronic acid is reduced in osteoarthritis, people feel joint stiffness or tenderness. Injections help the joint work more smoothly.

PRP Injections

 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a treatment that uses injections of a patient’s own platelets to help heal injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. By using a patient’s own healing system, this therapy can improve musculoskeletal problems.

 

These injections are prepared by taking your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected into your injured or diseased body tissue. It stimulates your body to produce more reparative cells by releasing growth factors.

Placental Tissue Matrix Injections

 

Using placental tissue from healthy newborn babies, PTM injections help your body reduce pain, and inflammation and restore damaged skeletal structures and tissues. The injected tissue is rich in nutrients that promote healing.

 

What’s The Best Joint Injection for You? 

 

Joint injections are a common treatment for pain relief. But with so many different types of joint injections available, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

 This article outlined the different types of joint injections and provided information on which one is best for each type of pain. If you are interested in learning more about joint injections, please visit our website.