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An intra-articular injection is injected directly into the joint to relieve the pain. The most common substances injected into the joints include steroids, hyaluronic acid, and local anaesthetics. It is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes oral medications and physical therapies.
The intra-articular injection is given directly into the joint with the help of a needle under local anaesthesia, and the path of the needle is guided using imaging techniques.
Types of intra-articular injections:
Corticosteroid injections to relieve pain.
Hyaluronic acid injections to lubricate the joint.
Local anaesthetic injections to provide pain relief after an Arthroscopic surgery.
Botulinum toxin injections can be used for osteoarthritis.
Intra-articular injections directly deliver the medication into the region of the affected joint, which offers faster pain relief and is more effective than other forms of treatment, such as oral medication. It also minimises the systemic side effects as a higher concentration of medication is injected only at the site where it is needed.
Follow-up care after getting an intra-articular injection includes the following:
The patient is monitored for side effects such as bleeding, pain, and infection.
Precautions must be carefully followed as advised by the health care provider regarding the level of activities that can be carried out immediately after the injection.
Application of ice packs can be done for 15 to 20 minutes in cases of swelling or pain at the injection site, and that can help reduce the discomfort.
The injection site should always be clean and dry, as there can be a chance of infection.
Soaking the joint should be avoided for a day or two.
To assess the effectiveness of the injection, a follow-up appointment can be scheduled to rule out the need for any additional treatment.
The frequency and timing of intra-articular injections will depend on the type of joint pain treated and the medication used.
It is important to note that repeated injections can pose a risk when the frequency of steroids also increases.
Risks such as infections, soft tissue damage, and elevated blood sugar levels can occur. It is important to decide on the treatments by discussing them with the health care provider to minimise the risks and determine the needed treatment plan.
Hyaluronic acid is found in the fluids of the joint, which helps in lubricating and acts as a cushion in the joint. It is a naturally occurring substance that supplements the natural supply of hyaluronic acid and provides better shock absorption properties.
This helps in improving the functionality of the joint, which includes improving mobility and reducing pain.
Injections are especially helpful in cases of osteoarthritis.
Intra-articular injections can be used in combination with other treatments as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes oral medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Efficient management can be achieved, along with improving joint function, by combining the treatments.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained from the patient's own blood, and it has a high concentration of growth factors and platelets. Injecting PRP can promote tissue repair and healing by initiating cellular processes like collagen production.
Pain and inflammation can be reduced, along with improving the potentiality of joint function, over time.
Certain technological advancements have improved the efficacy of intra-injections, such as fluoroscopy and ultrasound, which help in carrying out a precise procedure by visualising the joint and guiding the needle accurately. This helps in reducing complications and also improves the procedure's effectiveness. Biologics are new medications that offer targeted treatment plans with fewer side effects.
Intra-articular injections show a positive impact over the long term by reducing inflammation and pain, which enables the patient to maintain a healthy lifestyle along with participating in physical therapy.
Joint degradation can be slowed down, and the overall function of the joint can be improved.
The use of medication repeatedly, such as steroids, can have adverse effects on joint health. With the help of proper medical advice, treatment with intra-articular injections is beneficial.
Adverse reactions such as swelling, redness, severe pain, or other signs of infection at the injection site can be experienced.
Experiencing such reactions requires immediate medical attention to access and receive treatment.
Antibiotics can be administered to address the infection source.
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