WHAT’S A JOINT INJECTION?
A joint injection is a common treatment method that is performed to manage stiffness and pain that arises in the joints due to inflammation. Chronic joint pain and even acute pain that is intense may cause mobility problems that can disrupt an individual’s daily routine and decrease that person’s quality of life. If the symptoms are not properly treated, they can eventually start to have detrimental effects on emotional and mental health as well.
Several types of joint injections have been established for the purpose of pain management. A typical joint injection usually consists of a combination of a corticosteroid and an anesthetic that target both pain and inflammation. However, here at Nevy, we encourage using a more natural supplement such as Supartz FX or other naturopathic remedies.
IS THERE AN EXAMPLE YOU CAN PROVIDE?
The knee joint is one of the most common areas of the body to sustain damage or injury, and is often treated through knee joint injections. Physicians often suggest different forms of knee injections according to the severity and underlying cause of the pain.
There are four bones that make up the knee joint, known as the fibula, tibia, patella, and femur. The bones function as one structure in order to enable smooth movements. In addition, several muscles, including the quadriceps and hamstrings, promote knee flexion and knee extension. The quadriceps are supportive muscles for the frontal portion of the knee and the hamstrings support the posterior portion of the knee. Ligaments and cartilage help steady the knee joint as well. Moreover, the ACL, known as the anterior cruciate ligament and the PCL, known as the posterior cruciate ligament, are important ligaments positioned in the central region of the knee, that enable the joint to rotate. The medial and lateral meniscus are cartilage that cushion, protect, and prevent the tibia and femur from rubbing together.
Damage or injury to any of the structures that make up the knee may lead to throbbing pain or inflammation that can become chronic. For example, twisting the knee in abnormally rapid manner during vigorous activities such as sporting events can lead to an injured tendon. The gradual wear and tear of cartilage in the knee, also referred to as degeneration, may result in pain and swelling as well. Physicians generally inquire about a patient’s medical history to determine if a known incident led to the onset of the pain or if the knee has been previously injured. Imaging screenings may also be performed in order to help the physician properly diagnose the source of the pain and determine which type of knee joint injection will be most appropriate.