Non-surgical treatments for arthritis include injections into the painful joint. The two most common types of injections for arthritis are steroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation). It is important to note that joint injections are intended to reduce pain symptoms from arthritis such that patients can participate in physical therapy exercise and everyday activities in order to stretch and strengthen the arthritic joint.
Steroid injections can cause side effects and adverse events. Pain and swelling are most common, but other problems, such as skin discoloration, infection, and hormone-related changes in women, can occur.
Cortisone injections are used to treat joint pain caused by inflammation, including inflammation related to arthritis. Understand when these injections are appropriate, how to set expectations with your physician, and cortisone’s limitations.
Research suggests hyaluronic acid injections may increase lubrication, reduce pain, and promote the growth of cartilage and bone in the osteoarthritic knee.weeks.
Are you a candidate for PRP? Studies show that if you have osteoarthritis, platelet-rich plasma therapy may be for you. Find more information in this article.
Hyaluronic acid injections may reduce pain and improve knee function in osteoarthritis. These injections are usually used in people who have moderate osteoarthritis and have little or no benefit from pain-relieving medications.
Although typically considered safe, common side effects of stem sell therapy for arthritis include temporary swelling and pain. The procedure also carries a small risk of infection.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is an increasingly common treatment for arthritis. Find out what it is and how it works in this peer-reviewed article.