Injection
How is Injection helpful for joint pain, arthritis, etc.?
For most of the cases Injections are given to reduce pain and inflammation.
There are two types of Injections:
- Steroid Injection (also known as Cortico-steroid injections) and
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Steroids are a manmade version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands found above the kidneys. When injected into joints or muscles, steroid reduces redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area steroids can help to relieve pain and stiffness.
They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain, arthritis, sciatica, tendinitis, trigger points for muscles. This may aid you to return to normal activities/hobbies or help you to carry out exercises to strengthen the muscles or improve cardio-respiratory fitness. If you are struggling to carry out prescribed exercises or rehabilitation by a therapist because of pain, then you may consider a trial of steroid injection.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a natural component of synovial fluid. HA is a natural lubricant that breaks down in joint affected by osteoarthritis. HA injections also called viscosupplementation which help replace the lubricant lost to breakdown. It essentially increases joint fluid viscosity and restore joint lubrication. Hence, it acts as a shock absorber to control joint/tendon symptoms.
Which procedures are available at our clinic?
Procedures available are:
- Steroid Injections
- Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection,
- Trigger Point Injections and
- Ostenil Plus Injections.
All appointments for Injection treatment includes advanced Musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment given by our highly skilled physiotherapist who are trained for delivering injections. Sometimes injections can be given using ultrasound scan.
What are the advantages of Ultrasound guided injections?
Using ultrasound to guide the injection allows us to see exactly where the problem is and direct the injection to exactly the right location. Additionally, it allows us to ensure during the procedure we do not damage any other structures, avoiding excessive tissue damage and pain. Research have identified that ultrasound guidance significantly improves outcomes and also allows us to use the lowest most effective dose.
This procedure allow the clinician to visualize the needle and tip in real time as it enters the body and navigates to the desired location. This assures that the medication is accurately injected at the intended site.
If injecting “blind”, i.e. without ultrasound guidance there is a chance repeat injections may be required which is undesirable. Despite good intentions, even in the hand of most experienced clinician, injections performed without imaging guidance are not always accurate and in some cases (like hip joint injection) technically not possible or safer. This can make you believe corticosteroid injections do not work for you.
There are many different types of imaging-guided injections. However, ultrasound has a few distinct advantages over other imaging guidance (e.g. Fluoroscopy or X-ray guidance), such as:
- No radiation.
- Quick and simple.
- Ultrasound is a real-time dynamic tool.
Ultrasound-guided injections are also recommended when the traditional method (known as blind or anatomical-guided injections) fails to achieve the optimal outcome.
How often can you take steroid or HA injections?
You may have a follow-up appointment with your clinician/referrer. In some cases you may need another injection. If that is the case, then you can talk to your referrer regarding this. More than 3 steroid injections in a year to the same area of the body are not recommended. If you were seen directly by us, we will arrange a follow-up appointment for you.
Check out our competitive pricing and Book an Appointment to discuss with our clinician.
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