Therapeutic Injections
Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles, Woodland Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, Van Nuys, Sherman Oaks, Thousand Oaks, Tarzana, Encino, Chatsworth, Calabasas, Bell Canyon and Westlake Village.
At times, diagnosis of a condition may involve aspiration of the joint and examination of the fluid under microscope. The characteristics of the fluid can help us differentiate between different types of arthritis. Most joints can also be injected with anesthetics and corticosteroids for rapid pain relief. Almost every joint can be injected to relieve pain.
These are some of the joints that Comprehensive Rheumatology Center will aspirate and inject:
- Hands
- Feet
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Knees
- Ankles
- Jaw (temporomandibular joint)
- Lower back (facet joints)
- Lower back (sacroiliac joints)
Tendons/Bursae
Injuries to tendons and bursae are very common and can result from sports or any repetitive movement of our daily lives. If conservative management does not resolve the pain, corticosteroid injection is very helpful for pain relief, and often, healing of the injury
These are examples of such injuries:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist)
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome (ankle)
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis (thumb)
- Subacromial bursa (shoulder)
- Trochanteric bursa (hip)
- Patellar bursa (knee)
- Trigger finger (locked finger)
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid is a viscous material that lubricates the joint and is thought to also stimulate cartilage growth.These injections are given every few months depending on the severity of the arthritis, and are sometimes uses to prolong for prevent surgery
These injections are currently approved for the knee joint:
- Synvisc
- Synvisc-one
- Hyalgan
- Supartz
- Euflexxa
- Orthovisc
FAQ
How do corticosteroid injections compare to oral medications?
When you take a medication orally, it gets dispersed through your entire body. This is a good option if multiple locations are affected, but if you have only one area that is involved (like one joint, tendon or bursa), it may not be the most efficient way to treat the area. Injections target the medication directly to the problem area therefore may be more effective. Usually a smaller dose of medication is needed, sparing the rest of the body from potential side effects.
Is there a limit to how many shots I can have?
Generally, it is recommended to limit steroid injections to no more than 3-4 per area per year, to prevent wear and tear to the area.
How frequently can I have a corticosteroid injection?
The frequency of treatments will depend on the individual case. In general, shots should be spaced at least 6 weeks apart.
It is not recommended that you have more than 4 treatments per year.
Are there any side effects associated with corticosteroid injections?
During your visit we can determine the best course of action for you, including injections if indicated.
Can corticosteroid injections repair joint damage or cure arthritis?
Corticosteroid injections do not repair joint damage or cure arthritis. They can reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and increase mobility.