Non-Surgical Options for Joint Pain

Joint Pain is Very Common

Over 30 million people suffer from joint pain. This pain can make preferred activity levels difficult and daily responsibilities seem impossible. Surgery to address these painful foot joints requires weeks off of work and limited mobility during recovery. Several injection options are available from The Center for Foot Care to address pain and inflammation of a joint resulting in fewer symptoms for months and with much fewer potential complications.

Treatments that Lubricate Joints and Ease Pain

Corticosteroid injections have been around for several decades to reduce joint inflammation and are considered the first line of defense for many painful joint issues.

Hyaluronic Acid injections can be used when corticosteroids don’t work, don’t work long enough, or are not appropriate because of adverse reactions or elevated blood glucose levels that can results (this is especially important in people with diabetes).  Hyaluronic Acid injections are also indicated if there is pain in the joint but no obvious inflammation. This gel injection is similar to the natural fluid found inside of healthy joints and acts as a lubricant or shock absorber.  Symptomatic relief is expected to last 1-3 months in the great toe joint.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections use your own blood and platelets to promote healing. The growth factors and proteins in your platelets aid in the healing and help reduce inflammation of soft tissue including the lining of your joints that can be damaged from osteoarthritis.

Regenerative Cell technology such as placental tissue matrix injections can significantly decrease the pain related to osteoarthritis. These cells are harvested after the live birth of a healthy child via C-section and the mother donates her placenta for use. The high levels of growth factors in these cells promote tissue healing.

Which injection is right for your individual situation is carefully considered before any treatment decision is made. Each of these injections can be very effective in reducing or eliminating joint pain, but may not keep the pain from recurring. Each can be given more than once if needed, especially if you are looking for options to the expense, potential complications and the recovery time of surgery.