Joint injections: What’s the difference?

There are 4 different types of joint injections commonly given to patients with chronic pain. Some of them can provide long-term pain relief, while others only last weeks to months. So what’s the difference between them? Let’s take a look.⠀
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Corticosteroid Joint Injections:

Joint injections, often referred to as a cortisone shot, are typically given to patients who experience inflammation and pain in a particular joint or area of the body. Unfortunately, cortisone shots typically only provide temporary relief, often lasting several months, but occasionally lasting only weeks. And side effects? Long-term cortisone use can actually result in the breakdown of soft tissues around the injection site, possibly leading to rupture.

Hyaluronic Acid Joint Injections:

These injections are often referred to as “gel injections” because they mimic the gel-like nature of the fluid found within your joints. The gel-like substance works as a joint lubricant and shock absorber, while providing a buffer against inflammatory cells in the joint. Relief typically lasts for only a few months at a time.

Platelet-rich plasma Injections:

PRP injections utilize platelets derived from the patient’s blood to stimulate healing in areas of inflammation and degeneration. PRP contains up to 10 times the concentration of platelets found in whole blood, and therefore, contains higher concentrations of growth factors which work to promote healing. Because these treatments can stimulate tissue restoration, long-term pain relief is often the result.

Cell-based Injections:

Cell-based injections are often considered “stronger” than PRP alone, due to the fact that they contain higher concentrations of growth factors and are generally administered in conjunction with PRP. Cell-based products also work to stimulate restoration in areas of damage and degeneration, often resulting in long-term relief and avoidance of invasive procedures such as surgery.

Contact our offices (Orlando or Merritt Island) to learn more about your joint injection options.⠀
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