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INJECTION THERAPIES FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down, and it affects millions of people worldwide. Our orhtopedic practices provides osteoarthritis injection therapies in Charleston and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can be managed, but the existing damage to joints can’t be reversed. While medications can be used to manage pain and physical and occupational therapy can help the strengthen muscles around the joint, increase flexibility, and reduce pain, sometimes more aggressive treatments are necessary. A few different injection therapies exist that help with pain relief:

  • Cortisone Injections: Corticosteroid injections can help to relieve pain in the joint. During this procedure, the area around the joint is numbed, and a needle is placed in the space within the joint to inject the medication. This medication can worsen joint damage over time, so the number of injections that a patient can receive each year is limited.
  • Lubrication Injections: Hyaluronic acid injections may offer pain relief by helping to provide cushioning within the joints. Hyaluronic acid is similar to a substance that naturally occurs in the joints and acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping them to function properly.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections: This injection therapy is performed by drawing the patient’s blood and separating their blood platelets. The platelets are then injected into the joint to help supplement the fluid there. These platelets act as growth factors that help to decrease inflammation, as well as helping to lubricate and cushion the joint.

While no cure exists for osteoarthritis, there are therapies that can help to manage symptoms and slow the progression of this disease. Call our orthopedic offices at (843) 936-0715 to speak to our orthopedic team about injection therapies for osteoarthritis in Mount Pleasant and Charleston, along with other treatment options that might be right for you.