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Medications | Complementary | Physical Therapy | Psychology | Surgery
Injections and Surgery
Injection therapy has always been a mainstay of pain
treatment. For arthritis, the injections are either peri-articular
(around the joint) or intra-articular (in the joint).
Usually, patients receive an injection of a local anesthetic mixed with a
steroid – such as triamcinolone, methyprednisolone,
dexamethasone. The muscles and tendons that support the
joints often are the targets of injection therapy. This approach, known as
trigger point therapy, is designed to take the pain away from supporting
muscles or tendons long enough to restore better movement in the joint. Injections of other substances, such as B12,
an herbal extract called Sarapin, or homeopathic
preparations such as Traumeel may help as well.
Lubricating substances (Hyalgan or Synvisc) also may be injected into the joint. In
cases of extreme pain and advanced disease, doctors totally replace joints with
man-made versions. This is most commonly
done for knees and hips. Comments. As with any major surgery,
total joint replacement carries risks, including infection that can force removal
of the man-made joint. Over time —about
10 years in most cases — the cement holding the artificial joint in place can
loosen, creating the need for a new replacement. Medications | Complementary | Physical Therapy | Psychology | Surgery
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