You might hear your doctor talk about “intra-articular” or “soft tissue” injections, but you can think of them as targeted shots for joint and muscle pain. A peripheral joint and muscle injection is a procedure where a doctor injects medication directly into a painful joint or the soft tissue surrounding it, like a muscle or tendon. The goal is to deliver powerful medicine right to the source of your pain and inflammation.
These injections are minimally invasive, meaning they don’t involve surgery, and can be a vital part of a comprehensive treatment plan for a wide range of orthopaedic conditions. For many patients in San Francisco and the surrounding areas, these injections provide significant pain relief, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility, often helping to delay or even avoid the need for more invasive procedures.
Why Are Injections Performed?
Your orthopaedic specialist at California Pacific Orthopaedics may recommend a peripheral joint or muscle injection for several reasons, both to diagnose and treat your condition.
Common conditions that benefit from this treatment include:
- Osteoarthritis: Often called “wear and tear” arthritis, this condition causes the cartilage in your joints to break down. Injections into joints like the knee or shoulder can reduce the inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Tendonitis: This is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cords that attach muscle to bone. Common examples include rotator cuff tendonitis in the shoulder or tennis elbow.
- Bursitis: This is the inflammation of bursae, which are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints. Hip and shoulder bursitis are frequently treated with injections.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: While not a joint or muscle, the inflammation of the transverse carpal ligament in the wrist can be eased with an injection, relieving pressure on the median nerve.
- Trigger Finger: This condition causes one of your fingers to get stuck in a bent position. An injection can reduce the swelling that is causing the issue.
Injections are a valuable tool because they allow your doctor to deliver high-potency medication directly to the inflamed and painful area. This is often more effective than oral medications, which have to travel through your entire body to reach the target area.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After the Procedure
Understanding what to expect can help ease any anxiety you may have about receiving a joint or muscle injection. The process is straightforward and is performed right in our San Francisco offices.
Before the Procedure
Your journey will begin with a thorough consultation with one of our orthopaedic specialists. To prepare for your injection, you can expect the following:
- Medical History Review: Your doctor will discuss your symptoms, any previous injuries, and your overall health. It is important to mention if you are on blood thinners or have diabetes, as some adjustments may be needed.
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine the painful area to pinpoint the exact location of your discomfort.
- Imaging: In some cases, an X-ray or ultrasound may be used to get a better look at the joint or soft tissue before the injection.
- Pre-Injection Instructions: You will be given specific instructions to follow, which may include stopping certain medications a few days before your procedure.
During the Procedure
The injection procedure itself is quick, usually taking only a few minutes. Here is what typically happens:
- Positioning: You will be asked to sit or lie down in a position that allows the providereasy access to the injection site.
- Cleaning the Area: The skin over the joint or muscle will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
- Numbing the Skin: A local anesthetic may be sprayed on or injected into the skin to numb the area.
- The Injection: Your providerwill then insert a thin needle into the targeted area. They may use an ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the precise location. You may feel some pressure, but the local anesthetic helps to minimize discomfort.
- Injecting the Medication: Once the needle is in place, the medication is injected. The most common medications used are corticosteroids (a powerful anti-inflammatory) and a local anesthetic (for immediate pain relief). In some cases, other substances like hyaluronic acid (a joint lubricant) may be used.
After the Procedure
Once the injection is complete, you will be able to go home the same day. Here’s what to expect in the hours and days following your procedure:
- Immediate Relief: The local anesthetic will provide pain relief for the first few hours.
- The “Pain Flare”: As the anesthetic wears off, it is common to experience a temporary increase in pain and soreness for the first 24-48 hours. This is a normal reaction and can be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.
- Rest: It is important to rest the treated area for the first day or two. Avoid strenuous activities to allow the medication to work effectively.
- Long-Term Relief: The corticosteroid typically begins to work within 2-5 days, and you should notice a significant improvement in your pain and inflammation. This relief can last for several months.
- Follow-Up: You will have a follow-up appointment with your providerat California Pacific Orthopaedics to assess your progress and determine the next steps in your treatment plan.
If you are experiencing persistent joint or muscle pain, don’t wait to seek help. The experienced team at California Pacific Orthopaedics is here to provide you with a comprehensive diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Contact our San Francisco office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward a more active, pain-free life.
