Injections

Do you experience pain from arthritis or joint degeneration? Injections may offer a viable solution. Joint Implant Surgeons has a highly trained team who will keep you informed and comfortable throughout your injection appointment.

Types of Injections

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone is a naturally occurring hormone that helps regulate inflammation. Produced by the adrenal gland, cortisone can relieve or reduce both swelling and pain. Relief usually occurs within a day or two of the injection.

Patients do not need to change or moderate their recreational activities following injections. In fact, many patients elect to receive cortisone injections prior to big events when they will be more active.

However, cortisone may also play a role in weakening tendons or cartilage if used too often. Therefore, most physicians limit its use to a few times per year, depending on the circumstances. Always consult your physician before participating in any treatment option.

Hyaluronate Injections

Hyaluronate injections have been approved for arthritis of the knee. They may help relieve osteoarthritis pain and restore joint function. Hyaluronate is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that provides lubrication and cushioning to the joint. As osteoarthritis continues to develop, the joint fluid becomes thinner, with less hyaluronate and thus loses its ability to properly lubricate and cushion the joint cartilage.

Several synthetic forms of hyaluronate have been developed to use in the knee joint. In order to be effective, anywhere from 3 to 5 injections must be given weekly. The effectiveness is usually not noticed for at least a month. Patients do not need to significantly reduce activity following injection. Various studies have indicated maximum effectiveness at anywhere between 50-70%. Studies have shown that the more severe the arthritis, the less effective the injections. However, when effective, the relief may last for 6 to12 months. Synthetic hyaluronate is made from rooster combs. Therefore, anyone who is allergic to feathers, chickens or egg products should not receive an injection.

What is Iovera°

iovera° is a safe, innovative pain relief treatment. It uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. This effect is immediate and can last 90 days.

The iovera° system is a handheld device that lets your doctor apply just the right amount of extreme cold only to the nerves they want to target—the ones causing you pain. This process delivers immediate pain relief in the time it takes for a routine doctor’s visit, and it doesn’t hurt. iovera° does not contain medicine. iovera° treatment is safe and does not damage or destroy any surrounding tissue.

Conditions We Treat with iovera°

• People who have osteoarthritis (OA) pain in the knee
• People who are considering knee replacement surgery (iovera° can be used before surgery)
• People who are not candidates for surgery but need pain relief
• People who have pain in other areas, such as the hip, shoulder, chest, foot and ankle, spine, and more

Benefits of iovera°

Provides immediate and long-lasting pain relief, a reduction in the need for opioid medications, and improved mobility and function. It is a non-surgical, drug-free procedure that uses cold to temporarily block pain signals from peripheral nerves, allowing for a faster return to daily activities. This makes it useful for managing chronic pain, such as from osteoarthritis, and for helping patients prepare for and recover from surgery, particularly knee replacement. 

What to Expect During Treatment

• To determine the treatment area, your doctor will ask you about the location and level of your pain. Your doctor will then clean and mark the treatment area.
• Your doctor will numb the area with an anesthetic injection (you may feel a slight pinch) or a cold spray.
• Now, your doctor is ready to use the iovera° system. The part of the system that goes into your skin is called the “Smart Tip.” You may feel pressure or tugging when it is inserted. It’s also normal to experience cold, warm, or tingling sensations, or some level of discomfort, but not pain.