What is Intra-Articular Injection?

Intra-articular injection is a medical procedure that involves injecting medication directly into a joint space. This treatment is commonly used to reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling in joints affected by conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis. It is often used for patients with chronic joint pain who have not responded well to oral medications or physical therapy.

Who Needs Intra-Articular Injection?

Intra-articular injections are commonly recommended for individuals suffering from conditions such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Post-traumatic joint pain

The procedure can help alleviate symptoms of joint inflammation and improve mobility, allowing patients to return to their daily activities with less pain.

How Does Intra-Articular Injection Work?

Intra-articular injections typically contain corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The choice of injection depends on the condition being treated:

• Corticosteroids: Help reduce inflammation and swelling in the joint.
• Hyaluronic acid: Lubricates the joint and helps reduce pain, especially in osteoarthritis.
• PRP: Uses the patient's own blood to promote healing of tissues and reduce pain.

The injection is performed under sterile conditions and may be guided using imaging techniques such as ultrasound or X-ray to ensure accurate placement of the medication into the joint.

Benefits of Intra-Articular Injection

• Effective pain relief, especially for chronic joint conditions.
• Improved joint function and mobility.
• Minimal downtime and quick recovery.
• Can be repeated periodically based on the patient's condition.

This procedure can provide long-lasting relief for patients suffering from joint pain, improving their quality of life.

Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, intra-articular injections come with certain risks, including:

• Infection at the injection site
• Bleeding or bruising
• Increased pain or irritation following the injection
• Damage to surrounding tissues, though rare

However, these risks are relatively low, and the benefits often outweigh the potential side effects. Patients should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider before proceeding with the injection.

Post-Injection Care

After the procedure, patients are advised to:

• Rest the joint and avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
• Use ice to reduce swelling or discomfort at the injection site.
• Follow up with the healthcare provider to monitor progress and response to the injection.

Recovery from the injection is typically quick, with most patients experiencing improvement within a few days to a few weeks.

What are the risks & complications?

As with any other surgery, there are risks and possible complications. These include:

• Infection
• Shoulder stiffness
• Excessive bleeding
• Damage to blood vessels and nerves in your shoulder joint.
• Recurring shoulder instability