Knee Injections
To prepare for the hyaluronic acid injection, a small portion of joint fluid is extracted to make room. In certain situations, doctors may also give corticosteroid injections into the knee joint for immediate relief from pain and swelling. The benefits of these injections can range from a few days to more than six months.
Shoulder Injections
In the field of medicine, joint injections, also known as intra-articular injections, are commonly used to treat inflammatory joint conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sometimes osteoarthritis.
Shoulder injections are used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, with corticosteroids and hyaluronans being commonly injected substances. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce swelling and inflammation, often used in conjunction with physiotherapy and other medications to provide long-lasting relief for conditions such as subacromial impingement syndrome, AC joint pathology, and inflammatory arthritides.
Hyaluronans provide additional anti-inflammatory benefits, coat pain receptors, stimulate natural synovial fluid production, and enhance joint lubrication. They are beneficial in managing degenerative synovial joint disease, especially in cases where surgery is not an option.
Wrist Injections
Around 5% of Americans suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve that runs from the forearm to the palm. This pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist, sometimes extending up the arm.
The median nerve, along with several tendons, passes through a narrow passage in the wrist known as the carpal tunnel. When compressed, it can lead to discomfort and impaired hand function.
Cortisone injections typically start to work within 3 to 5 days and can provide relief for several days to a few months. If the first injection does not bring relief within two to three weeks, a second injection may be recommended.
Ankle Injections
Hyaluronic acid, also known as viscosupplementation or rooster comb injection, is used to treat osteoarthritis in various joints such as the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, and ankle. Although currently approved by the FDA and insurance companies only for knee treatment, ongoing research is being conducted to assess its effectiveness in other joints.
This natural molecule is typically found in healthy cartilage but is significantly reduced in arthritic or damaged cartilage. These injections help alleviate pain, enhance joint lubrication, and restore hyaluronic acid levels. Moreover, they encourage the joint to produce more of this vital molecule, ultimately improving overall joint function.
CT (Carpal Tunnel)
If you are experiencing pain, tingling, or numbness in your hand, carpal tunnel syndrome may be the culprit. Corticosteroid treatment can provide temporary relief from symptoms, with injections typically being more effective than oral corticosteroids.