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.