Steroid Injection for Joint Pain Overland Park, Kansas
Treatments & ProceduresArthritis is a condition that causes, pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Treatment for arthritis may vary, but the main goal is to reduce inflammation and pain. Most patients may try several different treatment options before finding a method that works best for their individual condition. Steroid injections are an advanced treatment option for patients with arthritis and other sources of joint pain, that have not responded well to other treatments such as exercise and oral medications. These injections deliver relief directly to the source of the pain and are considered safe for nearly all patients.
Most steroid injections provide immediate anti-inflammatory relief by being injected directly into the affected joint. These injections are an effective method of treatment to reduce the swelling of tendons and ease pressure on the nerve. A steroid medication such as cortisone, is injected directly into the inflamed area and works by minimizing the body’s reaction to inflammation. As the inflammation decreases, the pressure is relieved, therefore causing pain and discomfort to subside. As a result, patients experience a decrease in symptoms such as pain, swelling, numbness or stiffness. Symptoms may subside within a few days and the results of the injection may last for a few weeks or up to a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this injection affect my blood sugar if I have diabetes?
It can. Steroids sometimes cause a temporary rise in blood sugar. If you’re diabetic, letting our team know ahead of time helps us plan around it.
Will I still need physical therapy after this injection, or does it replace it?
It doesn’t replace it. The injection takes care of the pain and inflammation; physical therapy is what keeps the joint strong and functioning well after that. Providers here usually recommend both.
How is the injection site prepared to reduce infection risk?
The area gets cleaned and sterilized thoroughly beforehand, which keeps infection risk low.
If I have several painful joints, how do you decide which to treat first?
Usually whichever joint is limiting you the most gets priority, and our team builds your treatment plan from there during your visit to our Overland Park office.
How many joint injections can I have in a year?
It’s not fixed. Joint and patient factors both play into it. Dr. Jafri will talk through what makes sense for you during your visit.
Can this injection be repeated in the same joint later on?
It can be, as long as our team sees that it worked well for you the first time around.