Ultrasound Guided Injections for People with Arthritis

Ultrasound-guided injections can help patients who are suffering from arthritis in their knees, hips and other areas of the body. In our office, we find this procedure to be highly effective in helping those who feel restrictions in their mobility due to the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.

The procedure

This procedure is an effective form of treatment because the ultrasound allows for accurate and safe diagnosis. It allows us to see clearly what is taking place inside the body and to target very specific areas which promote better results. This is all in real-time, something that is highly advantageous.

Instead of sending a patient to another office for a diagnostic and then completing the injection at a later date, we can complete the treatment immediately in the same appointment. With the information in hand from the ultrasound, an injection is used to deliver medication to the exact site requiring treatment.

With this option, there is no guesswork or estimates by a physician in regards to what needs treatment. Instead, the ultrasound helps the professional deliver this medication with absolute precision and accuracy. This procedure is also helpful for areas of the body that are smaller and more difficult to see.

Benefits of ultrasound-guided injections

The benefits associated with this procedure come down to an increase in accuracy. They include:

Reduced risk of injuring nearby nerves or other structures
Physicians are not blindly injecting medication
Fast recovery times
The treatment is affordable
Effective pain relief
Increased range of motion for joints

Patients with arthritis benefit from this procedure

For those with arthritis, joint pain can be debilitating. The pain can be severe enough to make it difficult to complete normal daily activities. If the patient has arthritis in the knee or hip, it can be difficult to do things walking, climbing stairs at home or even standing at work.

Unfortunately, arthritis can get worse over time for patients who control this discomfort with ibuprofen and rest. In fact, the pain will get so bad that they eventually need additional help. This procedure can provide necessary relief and do so rather quickly.

The results

This is a minimally invasive procedure so immediately afterward, patients can leave the office. Within 24 hours, it is possible to continue with normal daily activities. If there is any swelling, ice packs and ibuprofen can provide minimal assistance.

In most cases, patients will begin to experience the relief caused by medication within a couple of days, though some may take a few weeks. Patients with arthritis generally report the following:

Increased range of motion, including the ability to bend and twist
Less swelling
No pain or decreased pain

Find out if this procedure is right for you

If you have arthritis and are looking for relief, call our office today. We can conduct an examination and determine if ultrasound-guided injections would be helpful for reducing the pain and discomfort you are feeling.