Joint pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting up to 70% of older adults. Unfortunately, this type of pain can be challenging to treat, so many people assume they need to undergo surgery. But that isn’t necessarily the case. Minimally invasive treatments, such as joint injections, can help ease inflammation, reduce pain, and improve mobility.
At Plainsboro Princeton Medical Associates in Plainsboro Township and Monroe, New Jersey, internal medicine physician Aruna Chakala, MD, often recommends joint injections. Here, we explain five key benefits, so you can determine if joint injections are right for you.
Chronic joint pain can make daily activities such as bathing or taking out the trash challenging at best. Taking over-the-counter pain medication or applying an icepack to the affected joint may provide minimal relief. However, the pain often flares up again within a few hours or days, making it tempting to avoid these activities altogether.
Joint injections offer a longer-lasting treatment solution. Many people experience a significant reduction in their symptoms within a few days or weeks of their injections, and the relief they provide can last for several weeks or even months.
Nearly 44% of people with arthritis-related joint pain report activity limitations, which makes sense, considering that inflammation and stiffness can cause even minimal movements to be excruciating.
Joint injections address pain and inflammation directly inside the joint. Following treatment, many people say it’s easier to walk, climb stairs, and exercise. This improved mobility can also make it easier to participate in physical therapy and help you maintain lasting progress.
The thought of having to undergo a major operation, like joint replacement surgery, can be intimidating and stressful. Joint injections provide a minimally invasive alternative with fewer risks and less downtime.
In some cases, joint injections can prevent the need for surgery altogether. Even when they don’t, the relief they provide can delay surgery, giving you more time to research the best approach for your needs.
You need to process oral pain and anti-inflammatory medications before they start working. They can also present various side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and headaches.
Joint injections provide a more targeted treatment. Because they’re administered directly into an inflamed or painful joint, the medication starts working soon after treatment. Since we confine the medicine to one area, it’s also less likely to cause significant side effects, other than mild swelling, redness, and bruising at the injection site.
People with joint pain often stop exercising and participating in other activities that require movement, which makes sense because avoiding movement can help reduce discomfort; however, prolonged sedentary periods can worsen symptoms.
Joint injections simplify maintaining your independence. Because symptom relief can last for months at a time, many individuals say it’s easier to stay active and participate in activities such as sports, walking groups, or community events. Injections can be part of a treatment plan that supports joint health and healthy aging.
Don’t let chronic joint pain keep you from seeing and doing the things you love. After reviewing your symptoms and completing a physical exam, we can determine if you’re a good candidate for joint injections. Request an appointment online or call our office at 609-799-5000 today.
