Comprehensive Guide to Arthritis Injections: Relief, Risks, and Advanced Treatment Options

Interview with Dr. Kevin O’Donnell | Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics

What are the most common areas of the body where arthritis injections are used, and how do they target specific joints?

The most common joints affected by arthritis and treated with injections include the knee, shoulder, ankle, and occasionally the lumbar spine. Injections are targeted to these specific joints to directly address the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.

How do arthritis injections work, and what types of injections are available for treatment?

Arthritis injections generally fall into the following categories:

1. Corticosteroid Injections: These are potent anti-inflammatory treatments that can provide temporary relief, typically lasting 4-6 weeks. However, corticosteroids are chondrotoxic, meaning they can degrade the joint over time, potentially worsening arthritis. Due to these risks, corticosteroids are used sparingly in regenerative practices.
2. Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections: Often referred to as gel injections, these are designed to replenish depleted hyaluronic acid in the joint, acting as a lubricant and promoting joint health. HA injections can be effective but may not work for every patient.
3. Prolotherapy: This is typically used for mild arthritis or as a follow-up treatment after more intensive therapies. It involves injecting a solution that stimulates tissue repair and can offer relief for up to a year when performed in a series.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and has strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for osteoarthritis. It is used for most arthritis cases, except the most severe.
5. Stem Cell Injections: These include micronized fat or bone marrow aspirate injections. Stem Cell treatments are powerful options, particularly for severe arthritis. They can offer sustained relief for manyyears and are considered a viable alternative to joint replacement surgeries.

The duration of relief increases with the complexity of the treatment, with Prolotherapy requiring more frequent sessions compared to PRP or stem cell treatments.

How does an active lifestyle impact the treatment plan for arthritis?

Active individuals, particularly those in Colorado, often seek treatments that allow them to avoid surgery and maintain their lifestyles. For instance, patients with shoulder arthritis or partial rotator cuff tears are often presented with surgical options like joint replacements or repair surgery. However, regenerative injections offer an alternative that preserves the joint’s native structure, minimizes downtime, and allows patients to continue their active routines.

What are the risks and side effects of arthritis injections?

While arthritis injections are generally safe, there are potential risks and side effects to consider:

• Infection: The risk is minimal with proper sterile technique but still exists whenever an external substance is introduced into the body.
• Nerve, skin, or joint damage: These are rare, especially when ultrasound guidance is used.
• Post-procedure soreness: An inflammatory response lasting about three days is common and expected. Swelling and discomfort are typically explained to the patient beforehand.

Steroid injections, in particular, may suppress the immune system slightly, increasing infection risk. However, advanced techniques, like ultrasound guidance, can significantly mitigate these potential harms.

What makes Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics unique in their approach to arthritis injections?

Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics sets itself apart through the use of ultrasound-guided injections and a comprehensive treatment approach. For instance:

• Ultrasound Guidance: This ensures precise targeting of specific structures, such as ligaments, tendons, and joint spaces, leading to better and safer  outcomes.
• Comprehensive Treatment Plans: Instead of injecting only the joint, multiple structures are treated based on the patient’s history, physical exam, and imaging. For example, a knee injection might include the quadriceps tendon, patellar tendon, menisci, or surrounding ligaments.

Other clinics that do not use ultrasound guidance often perform blind or palpation-guided injections, limiting their accuracy and effectiveness. Revitalize’s focus on precision and a tailored approach helps deliver superior results for patients seeking to manage arthritis non-surgically.

Key Takeaways:

• Arthritis injections, including PRP and stem cell treatments, offer effective alternatives to surgery, with relief lasting from months to years depending on the type of treatment.
• Active individuals benefit greatly from regenerative options that minimize downtime and preserve joint function.
• Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics uses ultrasound-guided, comprehensive injection techniques to ensure precision and better patient outcomes.

If you’re considering arthritis injections, it’s important to choose a provider who prioritizes precision and comprehensive care. At Revitalize Regenerative Orthopedics, we offer ultrasound-guided assessments and treatments tailored to your needs. Book your consultation today to learn how our cutting-edge techniques can help you regain mobility and reduce pain.