Ultrasound Guided Joint Injections Specialist Q&A
Ultrasound-guided injections are a rapid and minimally invasive procedure that can successfully reduce pain and treat joint disorders in the short term. OmniSpine Pain Management offers ultrasound guided joint Injections. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX.
Table of Contents:
Who are good candidates for ultrasound guided injections?
Overview
Used effectively for years, ultrasound-guided injections can accurately and safely diagnose and treat many arthritis, muscle, and joint conditions. Dr. Morchower can do this by combining the technology of ultrasound with the ability to deliver medication accurately and directly to the site needing treatment. The ultrasound can provide real-time imaging of body structures, such as the bones, tendons, muscles, and internal organs, without exposing you to radiation. Therefore, when using ultrasound-guided injections, the doctor can accurately locate the injured spot needing treatment. Deeper, smaller, and difficult-to-access areas are much more accessible with ultrasound-guided injections. Medications no longer need to be injected “blindly” into an area, which increases the risk of injuring nearby nerves, blood vessels, and other structures. There is no downtime and you can get back to life immediately following the procedure.
Dr. Morchower recommends that most joint injections be performed under ultrasound guidance.
Various types of therapies and medications can be delivered via ultrasound-guided joint injections. Pain medications, such as anesthetics (numbing medications) steroids, and other anti-inflammatory drugs, are commonly used to diagnose and treat many painful musculoskeletal ailments. Ultrasound-guided injections are used to deliver lubrication therapy to joints with viscosupplements, such as Hyaluronic Acid, providing pain relief and a wider range of motion for joints.
Ultrasound-guided injections are a great non-surgical and radiation-free option for those suffering from:
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Shoulder Impingement Syndromes
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Rotator cuff injury
• Tendonitis conditions in the hand and wrist
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Ultrasound-guided joint injections are also useful for those needing fluid removal from a joint or for pain management before a surgical procedure is performed.
The Procedure
• As a procedure simply performed in the office, ultrasound-guided joint injections are minimally invasive and typically take only a few minutes.
• The treated area will be cleaned and topical numbing agents can be applied for comfort.
• The ultrasound probe pressed on the numbed skin to visualize the muscles, bones, nerves and tissues beneath the surface.
• The real-time images produced by the ultrasound are displayed on the monitor and help guide the injection to the correct location. Patients typically find ultrasound injections more comfortable and effective than injections performed without guidance, also referred to as a “blind injection”
The Results
It can take a few days to a few weeks to feel the full effect of the medications injected, but compared to surgical interventions, most daily activities can be resumed within 24 hours. It is recommended that the injection site is kept dry after the injection for at least a day. Ice packs can help manage any swelling and/or soreness. Check with your provider before taking any NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) and avoid strenuous activity until you are cleared by your doctor. Depending on the medication injection, results can vary, but most joint injections result in reduced pain decreased swelling, and a wider range of motion.
If you are looking for Ultrasound-guided injections to relieve pain trust our pain management experts at OmniSpine Pain Management. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Frisco, TX, Sunnyvale, TX, and Mesquite, TX. We serve patients from Dallas TX, Frisco TX, Mesquite TX, Sunnyvale TX, Plano TX, Garland TX, Forney TX, Cedar Hill TX, Denton TX, Balch Springs TX, and surrounding areas.
*Individual Result May Vary*