How Joint Injections Can Help Restore Your Mobility

In any 30-day window, about one-third of Americans experience joint pain. Because this pain is so common, especially as you get older, far too many people dismiss it as a normal part of life. It’s not.

Whether you’ve got pain in your knees, hips, hands, elbows, or somewhere else, you’re not stuck with this persistent discomfort. Here at Healthy Life Family Medicine in Goodyear, Arizona, John Monroe, MD, Natalie Lake, MD, and our team offer targeted care for joint pain. Specifically, with joint injections, we can provide just what your body needs, right where it needs it. This gives you quick, convenient relief.

With this pain relief, you don’t just get less discomfort. You also get the chance to reclaim your mobility so you can get back to doing the things you love. 

How joint injections work

We tailor your injection to you and your pain. Usually, these injections consist of a corticosteroid to bring down inflammation (e.g., a cortisone shot), an anesthetic to directly treat the pain, or a combination of both. 

We often recommend joint injections with a corticosteroid for certain types of pain. For example, if you have arthritis — which is characterized by inflammation — a corticosteroid injection that brings down that swelling can make a big difference for you. 

To ensure we’re applying the injection where it will deliver maximal benefit, we may use an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to get a clear idea of what’s going on inside your joint. 

The injection might take up to a week to take effect, but from then on, you should have relief for two months or longer. 

Getting lasting relief and improved mobility

Our goal is to provide you with long-term pain relief, so we often recommend pairing joint injections with other treatments. We might blend your injection with physical therapy or yoga to strengthen and stretch the muscles that support your joint. 

This way, the injection can give you the short-term relief you need to get moving again. Then, with targeted exercises, you can re-strengthen the area. By the time the effects of the joint injection wear off, many people have made sufficient progress to be able to maintain their mobility with little to no pain. 

With this tailored joint pain treatment plan, you get more of your mobility back for the long term. 

If you’re tired of living with joint pain, call our office at (623) 889-3477 or email us at healthylifefamilymedicine750@gmail.com to make your appointment today.