Steroid Joint Injections in Castle Rock
What is a Steroid Joint Injection?
A steroid joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints caused by arthritis, injury, or other inflammatory conditions. This treatment involves injecting a corticosteroid medication (Kenalog) and a local anesthetic (Lidocaine) directly into the affected joint to reduce swelling and provide pain relief.
Dr. Carrera specializes in joint injections for the spine, hip, knee, sacroiliac (SI) joint, and shoulder, though he is highly experienced in performing injections in any joint as needed. Dr. Carrera also performs PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections into these same areas.
How Do Steroid Joint Injections Work?
The corticosteroid medication reduces inflammation in the affected joint, alleviating pain and discomfort. The local anesthetic provides temporary pain relief while the steroid takes effect over several days. By decreasing joint inflammation, the injection can improve mobility and function, allowing patients to increase physical activity and participate in rehabilitation programs or other pain management strategies.
What Conditions are Treated with Steroid Joint Injections?
Steroid joint injections are commonly used to manage conditions such as:
Osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, or spine
Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout)
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Joint pain from repetitive strain or overuse injuries
How Should I Prepare for a Steroid Joint Injection?
Wear loose clothing to allow easy access to the injection site. It is not usually necessary to stop blood thinners, though Dr. Carrera’s team will inform you if any medication adjustments are needed.
What Happens During a Steroid Joint Injection?
During the procedure, you will be positioned to allow clear access to the affected joint. The skin over the joint is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
Using anatomic landmarks or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, Dr. Carrera will carefully insert a thin needle into the joint and administer the steroid medication. The procedure typically takes 10 to 30 seconds to complete and is usually only mildly uncomfortable.
How Painful is a Steroid Joint Injection?
Most patients report mild discomfort during the procedure. When performed by Dr. Carrera, patients typically rate the pain between 1 and 4 out of 10. The injection itself usually feels like a pinch at the skin, minor pinches through muscle layers, and mild pressure as the medication is injected into the joint.
Dr. Carrera is particularly mindful of patient comfort and uses the smallest needles possible, even smaller than those used for flu shots, to minimize discomfort.
What Should I do After a Steroid Joint Injection?
Avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours following the procedure. After this, you can gradually increase activity as tolerated.
Avoid submerging the injection site underwater for two days, and do not apply a heating pad to the area during this time.
Many patients worry that experiencing pain relief after an injection means they are merely masking the pain. By the next day after the procedure, this is not the case. Think of the steroid injection like massaging a sore area—it helps alleviate discomfort, but the area can still be sore if moved excessively.
When Will I Experience Pain Relief After a Steroid Joint Injection?
Pain relief typically begins one day after the procedure, with full effects noticeable about one week after the injection.
Mild discomfort or soreness at the injection site is common and usually resolves within a few days. Expect soreness similar to that experienced after dry needling or a flu shot.
How Long Does a Steroid Joint Injection Provide Pain Relief?
The duration of pain relief varies among patients. Approximately 50–75% of patients experience at least a 50% reduction in pain lasting three months or longer.
Does Insurance cover Steroid Joint Injections?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and most commercial insurers, cover steroid joint injections if the patient meets certain medical criteria. These criteria typically include moderate pain and failure of conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle modifications.
Who Can Perform a Steroid Joint Injection Procedure?
Steroid joint injections should be performed by physicians with expertise in joint procedures. Generally, this is done by doctors specialized in interventional pain medicine, orthopedic surgery, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), or sports medicine.
Dr. Carrera is double-board certified in interventional pain medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), making him uniquely qualified to perform these injections safely and effectively.
Dr. Carrera provides steroid joint injections in an in-office procedure suite, which helps patients save significant costs compared to hospital-based procedures. Additionally, he uses exceptionally small needles, even smaller than those used for flu shots, to maximize patient comfort.
While some offices can take up to six weeks to schedule a steroid joint injection, Dr. Carrera’s team can typically perform the procedure within 2 to 7 days of your initial visit, ensuring you receive timely pain relief.
Should I get a Steroid Joint Injection?
If you are experiencing chronic joint pain in your hip, knee, sacroiliac (SI) joint, shoulder, or spine, and are wondering if a steroid joint injection is the right treatment for you, a consultation with Dr. Carrera and his team can help determine your eligibility. Dr. Carrera can inject any joint as needed to provide effective pain relief.
Patients in Castle Rock, Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Parker, Denver, and surrounding areas are encouraged to call the office at 720-455-3775 to schedule a visit and learn more.