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STEROID INJECTIONS

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Steroid Injections in Charlotte

A cortisone or steroid injection is a non-surgical approach to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, lower back, and conditions like sciatica. Steroids come in various forms like tablets and injections. However, steroid injections are applied directly in the problem area which provides faster pain relief at a lower dose and with less side effects. 

The steroid injections for pain contain corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic to help relieve the pain during the procedure. Depending on your condition, your doctor will inject the medication in any of the following:

  • Inflamed joint (Intra-articular injection)
  • The soft tissue near the joint (Peri-articular injection)
  • Muscle (Intramuscular injection)
  • Tendon
  • Nerve

A steroid injection is a simple procedure that helps a wide range of conditions like managing sciatica pain through epidural steroid injection. With the guidance of fluoroscopy, the steroid is injected into the epidural space to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and relax the irritated spinal nerves around the area. It also allows patients to have better mobility to perform other treatments like physical therapy. 

Aside from back pain, steroid injections can also be used for joint pain, such as arthritic conditions, bursitis, and tendonitis. The following joints can be treated by steroid injections, including but not limited to:

  • Knee
  • Hip
  • Shoulder
  • Elbow
  • Ankle

The type of steroid medication used depends on the severity of your condition. Soluble steroids are fast-acting but subside within a week. The other type, which is a less soluble steroid medication, lasts for months but takes almost a week to take effect. 

The patient’s medical condition is the determining factor in the duration of the steroid treatment’s effect. Some patients have stronger pain tolerance, while others are more sensitive to pain. Though effective in relieving pain, steroid injections can cause blood sugar and blood pressure to rise. Patients must seek medical advice about their medical condition before taking any steroid medication.

Unlike other pain treatments, steroid injections are not for long-term use. A patient can only have a maximum of three to four steroid injections per year to avoid health risks due to the side effects. With limited uses, steroid or joint injections are still a crucial pain relief option due to the following benefits:

  • Provides temporary pain relief as you transition to long-term pain treatments
  • Contains a lower dose of steroid medication, leading to fewer side effects
  • Provides immediate and fast-acting pain relief 
  • Improves your mobility to perform rehabilitation exercises

Welcome to Advanced Sports & Spine

We've built a long-standing relationship based on trust!

Advanced Sports & Spine provides comprehensive pain management treatments like steroid injections in Charlotte for treating joint pain, lower back pain, and sciatica. Our facilities are fully equipped with advanced technology to cater to all of your needs. We are a small medical unit, and we personally get to every patient and treat them like our family.

As an independent medical practice, we do not charge any facility fee compared to hospital-networked clinics. Our practice has everything you’ll need, so you no longer have to go to another facility to get the treatment you need. We care for your well-being, value your time, and respect your financial capability to access affordable and quality medical treatment.

Experience the best care with the medical experts you can trust without worrying about a surprise from your medical bills. We believe that every patient deserves the care that sets them free from the pain from both their condition and financial constraints.

Contact Us Today!

Getting your life back from the chronic pain and inflammation in the joints and debilitating pain due to sciatica doesn’t have to put a hole in your pocket. As a trusted physiatrist in Charlotte, we offer a wide range of non-opioid and non-surgical treatments for several musculoskeletal disorders. Learn more about our services at Advanced Sports & Spine, and see the difference our patients love about us. 

Contact us today at 704-542-3988 to schedule an appointment.

frequently asked questions

WHAT INSURANCES DO YOU ACCEPT?

Dr. Ahmad is in-network with most insurance companies. If you provide us with your insurance information before your new patient appointment, our team will contact your insurance company and complete a benefits check. Generally speaking, a copay is usually your only change on your new patient visit. Other than your copay, you will be notified in advance of any other costs for your appointment.

WHAT TYPE OF PROCEDURES ARE DONE AT THIS PRACTICE?

You will not find another non-surgical, non-opiate interventional pain management office in the greater Charlotte Area offering such a diverse and innovative array of services. Dr. Ahmad and his team will do a thorough exam on your area of complaint, provide you with a complete diagnosis, and recommend the best course of action to help eliminate your pain.

WHAT TREATMENT OPTIONS ARE THERE OTHER THAN MEDICATION?

WILL I ALWAYS SEE THE SAME PROVIDER?

Most of the time you will be treated by the same provider unless the treatment varies.

WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?

Our office is conveniently located in the Arboretum Office Park at the intersection of Pineville Matthews Road and Providence Road, less than a mile from the Providence Road Exit off of 485. The Arboretum Office Park is located across Providence Road from the main section of the Arboretum. Our actual address is 8035 Providence Road Suite 340, Charlotte, NC 28277

ARE YOU AFFILIATED WITH A HOSPITAL?

Advanced Sports & Spine is a private practice, not annexed to or owned by a hospital facility. We are a non-facility fee office. Therefore, our patients pay less compared to having the procedure performed at a hospital.

IF I DO NOT HAVE INSURANCE HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? DO YOU ACCEPT CASH? DO YOU FINANCE?

The cost depends on 2 main factors: how severe your condition is and how many joints or areas of the body you are looking to have treated. Dr. Ahmad and his team will be able to answer this question for you more thoroughly after your initial examination and review of diagnostic findings. 

Yes, we do accept cash. We also have the most competitive pricing in the Carolinas with many different financing options, such as Care Credit and Advance Care, offering low monthly payments and interest free options for up to 14 months.

IF I RECEIVE AN INJECTION DO I NEED A DRIVER?

For joint injections, a driver is not needed. For spinal and PRP injections, a driver is recommended.

HOW LONG WILL THE INJECTION TAKE?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working.

HOW LONG BEFORE I START FEELING THE EFFECTS OF THE INJECTION?

Steroid injections can take up to 5 days before they start working. Average relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or that it could last even longer.

For ESI and Facet injections, relief is up to 3 months, but that does not mean it will not last that long or it could even last longer. MBB only lasts 1 day and determines if you are a candidate for RFE. You return the next day with a pain diary. RFA procedures can last 6 months to a year.

WHAT MEDICATION IS USED FOR THE INJECTION? WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Joint injections contain a steroid and anesthetic. Whenever you break the skin, there is a possibility of bleeding and infection. However, those risks are minimized because image guidance is used. If you have Diabetes, the injection can increase sugar levels for up to 3-4 days. Steroids given close to the skin can cause discoloration or dimpling.

WHERE ARE THE INJECTIONS PERFORMED? DO I GO TO A SURGERY CENTER?

At Advanced Sports & Spine, the majority of our pain management procedures are performed in our Charlotte office. We use state-of-the-art equipment. Our ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance techniques ensure accuracy, help limit complications, and increase success rates.

Conditions Treated

We offer to help patients with the following conditions

  • Low Back and Neck Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tendon Injuries
  • Sciatica/Radiculopathy
  • Myofascial Pain Syndrome
  • Shoulder, Knee, Hip and other joint pains
  • Occupational injuries
  • Neuralgias
  • Sports injuries
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Peripheral nerve entrapments
  • Complex Region Pain Syndrome
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Spasticity
  • Trigger fingers
  • Peripheral Neuropathy

Working Hours

MONDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
TUESDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
WEDNESDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
THURSDAY 8:30am-5:00pm
FRIDAY 8:30am-12:00pm
SATURDAY Closed
SUNDAY Closed

Clinic Hours

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: Closed

HANDLING PHONE CALLS

Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM

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