What are joint injections?

Joint injections are treatments the team at Auburn Medical Group uses to help patients who have painful joints, typically because of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis develops slowly over the years as wear-and-tear gradually causes the joints to deteriorate. Each bone inside your joints has a protective layer of cartilage on the end of it that stops it from rubbing uncomfortably against the other bones.

With no cartilage to protect them, the bones start creating friction as they rub together, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and chronic pain. 

Cortisone joint injections can relieve the inflammation and pain you experience because of osteoarthritis or other degenerative conditions. 

When might I need joint injections?

Some joint conditions that can benefit from a joint injection include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis 
• Osteoarthritis 
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Tendonitis 
• Bursitis
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

To determine if you’re a candidate for joint injections, the team at Auburn Medical Group evaluates your medical history and the severity of your condition. 

If you have limited flexibility and mobility, joints that feel warm to the touch, and a reduced range of motion, your provider may recommend a joint injection. 

Joint injections are typically recommended if you’ve tried other conservative treatments, like activity motivation and immobilization, but they’ve failed to provide you with relief. If your joint pain persists despite non-invasive approaches, you may need a joint injection.
 

What can I expect with joint injections?

The team at Auburn Medical Group provides cortisone joint injections in the office. Cortisone injections are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can alleviate your pain and reduce inflammation when injected into your affected joint.  

The procedure takes around 10-20 minutes. After your joint injection, your provider may briefly monitor you for any side effects, such as redness or swelling. 

Many patients experience effective relief with joint injections. Once the anesthetic wears off, the treated joint may feel sore, but the medications work gradually and minor side effects fade. Within a few days, you should feel lasting pain relief that allows you to perform regular activities, exercise, and physical therapy*. 

Call Auburn Medical Group or schedule an appointment online today to learn more about joint injections. 

*Individual results may vary