Joint Injections For Osteoarthritis Pain
A Non-Surgical Option to Relieve Joint Pain and Improve Mobility in Osteoarthritis
Living with arthritis can impact your ability to move comfortably and participate in daily activities. Joint injections may help alleviate pain and improve your mobility, particularly when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief. On this page, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about joint injections, so you can make an informed decision about whether this option may be suitable for you.
- What Are Joint Injections?
- Who Might Benefit From Joint Injections?
- Types Of Joint Injections
- What To Expect During The Joint Injection Procedure
- What To Expect After The Joint Injection
- Potential Risks And Side Effects Of Joint Injections
- Long-term Management Of Arthritis
- Joint Injections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injections are a non-surgical treatment option designed to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritic joints. These injections deliver medication directly into the affected joint, targeting the source of discomfort. They are commonly used for arthritis affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, or other joints.
Who Might Benefit From Joint Injections?
Joint injections may be suitable for you if:
- You experience persistent joint pain due to arthritis.
- Other non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy or oral medications, have not provided adequate relief.
- You are looking for a temporary solution to manage symptoms while preparing for surgery or pursuing other treatments.
Joint injections are generally not recommended if you have an active joint infection or certain medical conditions. Dr McGrath will carefully assess your health and medical history to determine if this treatment is appropriate.
Types Of Joint Injections
There are several types of injections that may be recommended, depending on your condition and symptoms:
- Corticosteroid Injections
These injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication to the joint, helping to reduce swelling and pain. They may provide relief lasting weeks to months, depending on the severity of arthritis.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid injections, often used for knee arthritis, aim to improve lubrication in the joint, potentially reducing pain and enhancing mobility.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
This treatment uses your own blood platelets, which are rich in growth factors, to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the joint. PRP therapy is still being studied for its effectiveness in arthritis management.
- Local Anaesthetic Injections
These injections may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to provide temporary pain relief.
What To Expect During The Joint Injection Procedure
Preparation: The area around the joint will be cleaned and sterilised. In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound may be used to guide the injection.
The Injection: Using a fine needle, the medication is injected directly into the joint. Most patients describe the procedure as minimally uncomfortable.
Duration: The procedure typically takes less than 15 minutes and is performed in Dr McGrath’s clinic.
What To Expect After The Joint Injection
Immediate Care: You may experience mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site for 24–48 hours. Applying ice packs and avoiding strenuous activities can help.
Relief of Symptoms: Pain relief can occur within days to weeks, depending on the type of injection used.
Follow-Up: Dr McGrath will provide guidance on how to monitor your progress and when to consider additional treatments if needed.
Potential Risks And Side Effects Of Joint Injections
Joint injections are generally safe, but some risks include:
- Temporary swelling or discomfort at the injection site.
- Infection (rare).
- Allergic reactions to the medication (very rare).
Dr McGrath will discuss the potential risks with you during your consultation and take precautions to minimise complications.
Long-term Management Of Arthritis
Joint injections are often part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan, which may include:
- Physiotherapy to improve joint strength and flexibility.
- Lifestyle changes, such as weight management and regular low-impact exercise.
- Medications to manage inflammation and pain.
- Surgical options, if necessary, to restore joint function.
Joint Injections Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
This depends on the type of injection and the severity of your arthritis. Relief can range from weeks to several months.
Private health insurance may cover some joint injections, depending on your policy and the type of treatment. Dr McGrath’s team can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Below are some general cost estimates for commonly administered joint injections:
Cortisone Injection
- Cost: Approximately $365 if performed at a radiology clinic with a referral from your General Practitioner (GP) or Dr McGrath.
- Medicare Rebate: $125.
- Out-of-Pocket Cost: Approximately $240.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection (e.g., Synvisc-One or Monovisc)
- Cost in NSW: $400–$500 for the injection material, plus $70 for administration by Dr McGrath.
- Medicare Coverage: Unfortunately, hyaluronic acid injections are not covered by Medicare.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Cost in NSW: $300–$700 per session, depending on the treatment area.
- Medicare Coverage: PRP therapy is not currently covered by Medicare.
If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to confirm whether they cover specific injection costs. Dr McGrath’s team is available to assist with any questions about costs and payment options.
Frequency depends on the type of injection and your individual condition. Corticosteroid injections, for example, are typically limited to a few times per year.
During your consultation, Dr McGrath will take the time to assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle needs. He will provide personalised advice to help you decide whether joint injections are a suitable treatment option.