Manage Joint Pain Effectively with Peripheral Joint Injections
You may have experienced pain in your shoulders, knees, hips or even in your ankles or wrists. It normally resolves on its own so you don’t make a big deal of it. However, when the pain keeps coming back or worsens, that’s usually the time when you get worried.
The pain is possibly coming from your joints. The tissue surrounding your joints might be swollen. Arthritis is the common cause of joint inflammation.
So, when you feel pain in your joints, you should take the necessary precautions and seek your doctor’s advice immediately. You don’t need to suffer from pain when you can manage it effectively.
Joint Pain
Joints are the areas of your body where your bones meet. They enable the bones of your skeleton to move and perform optimal functions. Joints are found in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles.
Joint pain on the other hand is the discomfort, soreness and aches you feel in your joints. This is a typical complaint that is often resolved by managing the pain. It’s still important to seek medical help to appropriately treat the source of your pain.
Symptoms
Aside from the actual pain that you may feel, these signs and symptoms can be indications that there is something wrong with your joints:
- Swelling – This may include redness, tenderness and warmth in the joints or the surrounding tissues.
- Stiffness – Spasm on the muscles and tissues of the joints.
- Immobility of the joints – When they are locked, difficult or painful to move. When there’s a loss range of motion of the joints.
- Limping and weakness
When pain or any of these symptoms persist for two to three days or if there’s a sudden onset of fever, you should take a trip to your doctor. On the other hand, serious injuries, sudden swelling and severe joint pain will warrant a trip to the emergency room.
Diagnosis
Joint pain is rather easy to diagnose unless there is an underlying disease that is causing it.
Initially, your doctor will interview you about the pain you’re experiencing and will perform a physical exam thereafter. This will help the doctor to determine the probable cause.
X-rays and other visual imaging can also be used to look for the root cause of the injury or arthritis-related damage or inflammation. A blood test may also be done when necessary.
Treatment
Joint pain caused by arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid) cannot be eliminated completely but can be managed at home or with a more advanced procedure.
Topical pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to relieve pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be administered to improve the condition. Being physically active and having a regular exercise regimen are more proactive approaches to avoid joint pain. A massage, warm bath or getting sufficient rest can help relieve body pains.
When these treatments aren’t effective for joint pain, you should seek more advanced and alternative methods for your joint pain. A peripheral joint injection might be the key to pain-free joints!
Peripheral Joint Injections: An Effective Treatment for Joint Pain
A peripheral joint injection is a cortisone shot directed to the joint to relieve the pain and swelling. It’s minimally invasive and targets the source of your pain, which is why it’s more effective.
What to Expect with the Procedure
You may be asked to sit or lie down depending on the area where the pain originated. A fluoroscopy device, such as a live X-ray, or an ultrasound will be used to direct the treatment towards the injection site.
The actual procedure may only take 5 to 10 minutes. That’s basically the injection of the anti-inflammatory drug called cortisone in the affected joint. A numbing cream may be placed on the injection site to minimize the pain if any.
After the procedure, you’ll be watched for a few minutes to ensure the procedure was well tolerated. Then, your doctor will send you home with aftercare instructions.
Peripheral Joint Injections in Charlotte
If you’re experiencing pain in the joints that are recurring and worsening, go to your doctor and seek medical advice. Ask about the peripheral joint injection and if it’s the right treatment to manage your joint pain.
Quality & Reliable Peripheral Joint Injections at Advanced Sports & Spine
Dr. Usman Ahmad is a board-certified physiatrist who provides a personalized, holistic approach to sports medicine, spine treatment and pain management.
Advanced Sports & Spine in Charlotte offers various treatments for joint pain that include peripheral joint injections that are effective, reliable and affordable. Contact us or book your appointment today!