Joint injections are a common and effective method used in pain management to relieve discomfort in affected joints. These injections typically deliver medication directly into the joint space, allowing targeted treatment of inflammation, swelling, or degeneration. The medications most often used include corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate the joint and improve mobility. By delivering medicine directly where it’s needed, joint injections can provide faster and more concentrated relief compared to oral medications, which must travel through the bloodstream to reach the site of pain.
In addition to reducing pain, joint injections can improve joint function and allow patients to participate more fully in physical therapy and daily activities. They are often part of a comprehensive pain management plan that includes exercise, weight management, and other non-surgical therapies. While the duration of relief varies depending on the individual and the type of injection, many patients experience significant improvement in symptoms, which can enhance quality of life and reduce reliance on long-term oral pain medications.
