Over 300 million people in the global population have arthritis, a broad term describing a range of health conditions affecting the joints. It typically refers to inflammation of the joints but may be classified into over 100 types, with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being two of the most common. Treatment may vary on a case-to-case basis, but in some cases, Intraarticular Injections for Arthritis may be recommended to relieve joint pain and swelling. At Narooma Medical Centre, we provide a customised approach to treating various diseases, disorders and conditions depending on each individual’s case.
To book an appointment with us, call us on 02 4476 5588/0424 204 562
Two of the most common injections used to treat arthritis include cortisone injections and platelet-rich plasma injections, both of which have unique advantages.
Cortisone Injections, as their name implies, make use of corticosteroids to relieve joint pain and reduce inflammation. These are quick, effective, and non-invasive, thus being a good option for cases when normal medication or physical therapy are deemed to be ineffective. Before getting any shot, your doctor will get a thorough medical history and run several tests to ensure that you do not have pre-existing conditions that make Cortisone Injections an unsuitable treatment. Similar to a regular injection, the process can be done in a few minutes, and you should be able to go home right after. It will be recommended to rest the site of injection for about two days or rest your body if you experience slight pain. Soreness in the injected area is normal and should go away quickly, but you may also ask your doctor about painkillers if you feel any pain for the first few days. As one of the common types of Intraarticular Injections for Arthritis, Cortisone Injections are proven to be effective in reducing OA pain.
Platelet-rich plasma injections, also known as PRP Injections, are a type of treatment that makes use of a patient’s platelets to heal injured muscles and joints. This therapy promotes tissue regeneration and cellular growth to provide pain relief and healing. Compared to cortisone injections, pain relief from PRP Injections take longer to come, so instead of immediate relief, gradual effects are to be expected with this treatment. That said, PRP Injections can have significant long-term benefits for the health and body. Thus, they are often considered investments that can improve a patient’s health in the long run. If you do not know what type of injection will best suit your case, you can always ask one of our doctors here at Narooma Medical Centre to learn about your options. Suitable treatments vary based on the type of arthritis you have and your overall health, so it is best to start by consulting your physician.
It is important to note that medical treatments must be coupled with lifestyle changes to improve the health of anyone with arthritis. Thus, having a holistic healthcare plan is essential to effectively reduce risk factors. To get started, come visit Narooma Medical Centre to get an overall health assessment. From there, we can work together to develop your treatment plan, where we determine the proper intraarticular injection and incorporate lifestyle changes. Call us on 0244765588 / 0424204562
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