Your body is typically prone to inflammation, pain, and discomfort due to injury or accidents. Dealing with this pain can be quite a daunting task as it may require taking pain medications frequently. This problem may become more severe, especially when it occurs in your joint. The joints may be a tricky part to deal with due to regular body movements. This may lead to discomfort when performing your daily activities. Continue going through the article to learn more about Cary joint injections.
What are Joint Injections?
Joint injections, also referred to as cortisone shots, are made to assist you in relieving swelling and pain in a specific part of your body. These injections are aimed at your joints in areas like your elbow, ankle, knee, hip, spine, shoulder, or wrist. These injections may also be applied to the small joints found in your feet or hands.
Joint injections typically have a local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication and can be taken at your physician’s office. The number of shorts you can get in a year is usually limited due to the potential side effects.
Why are Joint Injections administered?
Joint injections are one of the most suitable treatment plans for treating inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. They are also applicable for other issues such as:
· Bursitis
· Back pain
· Gout
· Psoriatic arthritis
· Osteoarthritis
· Rheumatoid arthritis
· Reactive arthritis
· Tendinitis
Risks involved with joint injections
Several potential side effects are associated with joint injections that increase with repeated use and larger doses. Some of them include:
· Death of a bone close by
· Cartilage damage
· Nerve damage
· Joint injection
· A temporary flare of pain and swelling in the joint
· Temporary facial flushing
· Tendon weakening or rupture
· Temporary increase in blood sugar
· Thinning of soft tissue and the skin around the injection area
· Osteoporosis is characterized by thinning of nearby bone
· Lightening of your skin around the injection site
There is a limit to the number of cortisone shots you can get in a year. This is done to avoid damaging the cartilage within a joint. Doctors recommend not getting injections less than six weeks apart and typically not more than three or four times within the year.
Preparation before getting the shot involves not taking any blood thinners you may be prescribed for a few days before getting the shot. This reduces the risk of bruising or bleeding.
Blood-thinning effects may also be contained in some dietary supplements. Your physician will recommend the types of supplements and medications to avoid before getting the joint injections.
After getting your joint injections, your physician may recommend the following:
· Do not use heating pads but instead apply ice to the injection area to relieve pain
· Protect the area surrounding the injection site for a few days
· Look out for signs of infection such as redness, pain, and swelling that happens for more than two days
Pain relief through cortisone shots is a practice that has been tried and tested to relieve joint pains. However, precautions should be taken with the number of injections taken. To book a consultation, go through our website or visit our offices in Cary, NC.