Effective relief for joint pain: The role of joint injections

Joint pain and inflammation can significantly impact one's quality of life, affecting mobility, productivity, and overall well-being. In cases where conservative measures like physical therapy or oral medications fail to provide relief, joint injections emerge as a valuable option. Administered by specialists, these injections deliver targeted medication directly into the affected joint, offering both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits. This article explains the indications for joint injections and when specialists recommend them.

Understanding joint injections:

Joint injections involve the precise delivery of medication, typically a combination of corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or other therapeutic agents, into the affected joint. The procedure is often guided by imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure accuracy and efficacy. By directly administering medication into the joint space, joint injections provide concentrated relief, reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and improving function.

Indications for joint injections:

1. Osteoarthritis: Joint injections are commonly indicated for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease characterised by cartilage breakdown and inflammation. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections can help manage pain and inflammation, improving joint function and mobility in affected individuals.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Joint injections, often containing corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be recommended by specialists to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression in RA patients.

3. Bursitis and tendonitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints) or tendons can result in conditions like bursitis and tendonitis, causing localised pain and restricted movement. Joint injections can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation and promoting healing in affected bursae or tendons.

4. Synovitis: Synovitis, characterised by inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joints, is often associated with conditions like inflammatory arthritis or trauma. Joint injections containing corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory agents can help alleviate pain and swelling associated with synovitis, improving joint function and comfort.

5. Diagnostic purposes: Joint injections also serve diagnostic purposes, particularly in cases where the source of pain is unclear. By injecting a local anaesthetic into the suspected joint, specialists can temporarily numb the area, helping to pinpoint the exact source of pain and guide further treatment decisions.

When are they indicated by a specialist?

Specialists, including rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons, and pain management physicians, play a crucial role in determining the appropriateness of joint injections for individual patients. They consider various factors, including the underlying condition, disease severity, patient preferences, and response to previous treatments, before recommending joint injections. Typically, joint injections are indicated when:

• Conservative treatments (e.g., rest, physical therapy, oral medications) have been ineffective in managing joint pain and inflammation.

• The patient experiences persistent or recurrent joint pain that significantly impairs daily activities and quality of life.

• Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI) confirm the presence of joint pathology or inflammation warranting targeted intervention.

• The benefits of joint injections outweigh potential risks and adverse effects for the patient, based on thorough assessment and discussion.