Injection Options
Steroid Injections for Arthritis
Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid or cortisone injections, act as potent anti-inflammatory medications. They are injected directly, under ultrasound-guidance, into the specific painful area, such as a knee joint (in cases of knee osteoarthritis), a bursa (in cases of olecranon bursitis), or surrounding a tendon (in cases of de Quervain's tenosynovitis). These injections contain synthetic versions of hormones naturally produced by the human body.
At The PSJ Injection Clinic, we use steroid medications like Kenalog (triamcinolone acetonide) and Depo-Medrone (methylprednisolone acetate). These cortisone injections can be highly effective for managing hip, knee, and shoulder pain. They work by reducing inflammation, which decreases pain, stiffness, and swelling in musculoskeletal tissues.
Conditions Treated with Steroid Injections
- Arthritis: Targeted pain relief offered by steroid injections can be particularly effective in osteoarthritic joints.
- Frozen Shoulder: This condition results in inflammation, swelling and significant stiffness in the shoulder joint capsule. Steroid injections can be an effective treatment, leading to improved pain relief, increased movement, and better overall function.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist, leading to pain and numbness into the thumb and fingers. Corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel can provide significant relief from these symptoms.
- Trigger Finger: Trigger finger occurs as a result of thickening of either a small pulley or tendon in the palm side of the digit. This results in difficulty in either bending or straightening the finger with pain. A steroid injection to the pulley/tendon can result in reduced localized inflammation and normal finger movements.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of tendons (tendinitis) and bursae (sac-like cushions near joints) can be effectively treated with injections, particularly in the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip regions. This treatment can provide relief from pain and improve joint function.
Benefits of Steroid Injections in Arthritis
Steroid Injections for Tenderness Front Shoulder
Rapid pain relief:
Steroid injections can reduce the pain associated with arthritis within a few days.
Reduced inflammation:
These injections can reduce inflammation, leading to improved range of motion and decreased stiffness. They specifically target inflamed tissues such as the lining of the joint, also known as the synovium.
Improved mobility:
Steroid injections can enhance mobility in knee, hip and shoulder joints by reducing inflammation and pain. They can facilitate movement and a return to normal daily activities.
Less invasive treatment:
Injections are less invasive than surgical interventions and associated with fewer side effects/risks. This makes them a suitable initial therapy for the majority of patients.
Short recovery time:
Steroid injections require minimal downtime. This will enable patients to return to routine activities rapidly without time away from work or significant interference.
