Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Shoulder joint injection
1746872606
A shoulder joint injection involves injecting medicine directly into the shoulder joint to reduce pain and swelling, commonly used for arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and frozen shoulder.
A small needle is precisely inserted into the joint, often guided by ultrasound or X-ray. The injection typically contains a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid to improve joint movement and lubrication.
This treatment helps relieve stiffness, pain that worsens with movement, and discomfort that affects sleep. Pain relief has two phases: immediate numbness from a local anesthetic, and more lasting relief from the steroid, which takes a few days to work and can last for weeks or months.
Steroids can have side effects, especially with repeated use, such as temporary pain flare-ups, joint weakening, increased blood sugar, and possible cartilage damage. Injections are limited to a few times per year to avoid long-term issues.
Alternatives include physical therapy, N SEDS, activity modification, and regenerative medicine like PRP or stem cell therapy, which may promote healing using your body's factors. Surgery might be considered if other treatments fail.
The risks are low but include infection, bleeding, or allergic reaction. Some may experience temporary increased pain, known as “post-injection flare,” resolving within days.
Before the injection, the skin is cleaned and numbed for comfort. Afterward, it’s important to rest the shoulder and avoid heavy lifting. A follow-up may be scheduled to assess treatment success and next steps.
Shoulder joint injections can help those not relieved by less invasive treatments. Discuss with your medical team whether this or other treatments like regenerative medicine are suitable for you.
FAQs
Are there alternative treatments to shoulder joint injections for managing shoulder pain?
Yes, alternatives to shoulder joint injections include conservative treatments like physical therapy, NSAIDs, and activity modification. Other options may include regenerative medicine approaches such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy, which aim to promote natural healing. Surgical intervention might be considered if these treatments are ineffective in managing the pain. Discuss with your medical team to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
What are the potential side effects or risks associated with shoulder joint injections?
While the procedure is generally safe, there are some risks and potential side effects. These include infection, bleeding, temporary pain flare-ups known as “post-injection flare,” joint weakening with repeated steroid use, increased blood sugar levels, and possible cartilage damage. The injections are typically limited to several per year to avoid long-term complications.
What conditions can be addressed with a shoulder joint injection?
Shoulder joint injections are commonly used to relieve symptoms associated with conditions such as arthritis (including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), rotator cuff impingement or tendinosis, subacromial bursitis, and pain in the acromioclavicular joint.
What is a shoulder joint injection and how is it performed?
A shoulder joint injection involves delivering medication directly into the shoulder joint to alleviate pain and reduce swelling. This procedure is mainly employed to treat conditions like arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and frozen shoulder. A small needle is carefully inserted into the joint, usually with guidance from ultrasound or X-ray, to ensure precise placement. The injection often contains either a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid to improve joint movement and lubrication.
What should I expect after receiving a shoulder joint injection?
After the injection, it's crucial to rest the shoulder and avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities for about 48 hours. You may experience immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic, but the more lasting effects from the steroid could take a few days to manifest and may last for weeks or months. A follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider is usually scheduled to evaluate the treatment's success and discuss further steps if necessary.