What Are Joint Injections for Arthritis Care?
Joint injections are a common treatment option for managing arthritis pain and inflammation. These injections typically involve the administration of corticosteroids directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Corticosteroid injections can offer rapid and significant relief, often lasting for several weeks to months, making them useful for managing acute flare-ups of arthritis symptoms.
Another type of joint injection used in arthritis care is hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation. Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the joint. Injections of hyaluronic acid can improve joint function and provide pain relief, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use a concentrated solution of the patient's own platelets, are also being explored for their potential to promote healing and reduce inflammation in arthritic joints. Joint injections are typically performed by a healthcare professional in an outpatient setting and can be part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan that includes physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
