Intraarticular injections are usually administered for the treatment of cartilage problems that arise in the joints. In this article, we have explained in detail this treatment applied in case of fluid decrease in the joints or cartilage problems.
What is Intraarticular Injections?
Intra articular enjection technique is a treatment that is applied directly to the joint. There is a fluid located inside the joints. This liquid contains substances that are present in the structure of cartilage. In addition, there are also contents that increase the slipperiness of the joint. Joint fluid is normally very densely present. Thanks to this, it reduces lubricity, shock absorption and inflammation in the joint. The synovial fluid consists of glucosamine, glucoronic acid and hyaluronic acid. The key ingredient is hyaluronic acid.
In cases where this fluid is reduced, the joints cannot move in a slippery way. And in motion, it causes a lot of pain to the patient. In these cases, intra-articular injection is applied.
Types of Intraarticular Injections
Intra articular joint injection can be applied with fluids containing different contents. These are mainly corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, botolinium toxin and platelet rich plasma. Your doctor decides which of these fluids will be used in the procedure after a detailed examination. At the same time, this treatment can be applied to all joint areas of the body.
Intra articular injection knee
Intra-articular injections are administered for osteoarthritis. The other name for this is calcification. Especially in cases of calcification in the knee, this treatment is often applied. With intra articular injection knee joint treatment, pain and immobility complaints can be eliminated instantly.
Intra articular knee injections reduce pain, improve mobility, and provide a higher and more comfortable level of activity. In addition, the intra articular enjection knee technique can be applied in a few sessions. Your doctor will decide how long this treatment will take. The stage of your disease is the determining factor in this regard.
Intra articular hip injection
The calcification condition we mentioned above covers all joints of the body. That is, such a situation may also be the case in the hip joints. Intra articular enjection hip treatment is frequently applied, especially in elderly people. Because as we get older, the durability of the bones decreases and the risk of developing such diseases increases. For this reason, calcification and other problems in the hip are common, especially in the elderly. However, with this treatment, the health problem is eliminated.
Intraarticular shoulder injection
This form of treatment can also be applied to the joints in the shoulder area. Intra articular enjection shoulder treatment is performed for cases where the shoulder joint is damaged by sudden movement. Your doctor will first apply a local anesthetic to your shoulder area. Then, it injects the fluid it has prepared before directly into your joint area. In addition, the treatment is also performed on the tendon area. In fact, it is applied more frequently to the tendon area (especially in shoulder injuries).
Intraarticular corticosteroid injection
Intraarticular steroid injections are a frequently used treatment in acute injuries. In addition, it works to reduce local inflammation by blocking the production of naturally produced inflammatory cells in chronic cases. Intra-articular therapies are most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis in the knee. However, intra articular steroid injection is also used in the treatment of acute gout and rheumatoid arthritis.
Side effects of intraarticular steroid injections
Short-term complications of intra-articular corticosteroid injections are rare. However, some rare side effects include:
- septic arthritis
- injection site pain
- skin pigmentation
- atrophy
Intraarticular hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid is a substance that promotes lubrication of joints. It occurs naturally. With osteoarthritis, this substance can be quickly broken down. As a result, it can cause your condition to get worse. Hyaluronic acid injection is an effective treatment to increase lubrication, reduce pain and improve the range of motion in the joint.
Hyaluronic acid injection price
The price of this injection therapy varies. The quality of the medicine your doctor will use is the determining factor in the price. However, intra-articular injection treatment in Turkey is much more affordable than in other European countries.
Intra articular injections for osteoarthritis
As we mentioned above, intra-articular fluid injections are often used for osteoarthritis. However, intra articular injections for arthritis are the specialty of orthopaedic physicians. An orthopedic doctor who is an expert in the field successfully applies this treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Intraarticular injections are administered to treat the symptoms of arthritis of the hip joint. However, osteoarthritis is a major cause of disability and a feeling of pain in the hip. These treatments are highly effective in treating hip osteoarthritis.
This process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. This time may vary depending on your preparation stage and your doctor’s procedure speed.
Your doctor will first apply a local anesthetic to your procedure area. Then, it injects the intra-articular injection fluid that it has prepared before directly into your damaged joint. This process takes approximately 15-20 minutes. You do not need to stay in the hospital after the procedure.