An introduction to joint injections
Joint injections are a common medical procedure used to treat pain and inflammation in joints such as the knees, hips, shoulders and the spine. These injections often contain corticosteroids which reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid which can help lubricate the joint. They are typically used for conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis.
The benefits of joint injections include rapid relief of pain, improved mobility and a potential delay in the need for surgery. Patients often find joint injections useful as part of a broader treatment plan that includes physical therapy, medication and lifestyle modifications.
Conditions best suited for joint injections
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, leading to chronic inflammation, pain and joint damage. Joint injections, particularly with corticosteroids can be very effective in managing localised flare-ups of this disease. When one or a few joints become particularly swollen or painful, a targeted injection can quickly reduce inflammation and restore function, often more rapidly than oral medications.
Tendonitis or tenosynovitis
Tendonitis and tenosynovitis are conditions involving inflammation of a tendon or the sheath surrounding a tendon, often caused by overuse, repetitive motion or injury. Common sites include the shoulder, elbow, wrist and ankle. In cases where rest, physical therapy and oral medications do not provide sufficient relief, corticosteroid injections may be considered. These injections are typically placed around the tendon or its sheath to reduce inflammation and pain while minimising the risk of tendon weakening or rupture.
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, buttocks or legs due to inflammation or abnormal movement of the SI joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis. It can result from trauma, pregnancy, arthritis or uneven leg lengths. Image-guided corticosteroid injections into the SI joint can be an effective option. These injections help reduce inflammation and provide targeted pain relief, often allowing patients to resume physical activity and rehabilitation.
Joint injection treatment on the Isle of Man
The joint injection treatments used by Dr Adrian Dashfield.
What does a joint injection treatment consist of?
A joint injection treatment typically consists of several key steps and components designed to diagnose or relieve pain and inflammation in a specific joint. Here’s an overview of what the treatment involves:
- Evaluation and preparation
- Injection
- Post-injection monitoring
- Follow-up
Duration of the treatment
Treatment duration dependant on requirement
Suitable for
Tendonitis, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Frozen shoulder, Sacroiliac joint disfunction
Cost
Joint injection costs start from £975
How do joint injections work?
Joint injections work by delivering medication directly into or around a joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve function. The most commonly used substances in these injections are corticosteroids and local aesthetics, though other agents like hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may also be used, depending on the condition.
Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications that reduce swelling, warmth and pain in the joint by suppressing the immune response. While they don’t cure the underlying condition, they can provide relief lasting from weeks to months, especially in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and bursitis. Local anesthetics like lidocaine or bupivacaine are often added to provide quick but temporary pain relief and help confirm the joint as the pain source. Hyaluronic acid injections work by mimicking the joint’s natural fluid, particularly in osteoarthritic knees, to improve lubrication and reduce pain and stiffness.
Would like to book an appointment?
Get in touch today to book a joint injection treatment on the Isle of Man.
Dr Adrian Dashfield
Consultant Anaesthetist & Pain Management Specialist
MB ChB MSc MSc MD FRCA FFPMRCA FAcadMEd