Joint and Bursa Injection

Arthritis is caused by inflammation of the space between bones, the joints, due to any cause. Bursitis describes swelling and inflammation of the fluid filled sac, the bursa, that cushions the space between bones and tendons. Joint and bursa injections are performed to treat arthritis and bursitis that have not responded to home remedies such as massage, moist heat, stretching, splints and braces, physical therapy, oral and topical pain medications.
What Are Joint and Bursa Injections
Your positioning will depend on which joint or bursa needs to be treated, you may be seated upright or laying down, with the joint or bursa area exposed. The clinician will touch and feel the treatment area, mark if necessary, then apply cleanser to the area and spray with local anesthetic. Depending on which area, the clinician may then inject local anesthetic under the skin. The clinician will insert a needle into the joint or bursa and simultaneously inject with local anesthetic mixed with anti-inflammatory steroid. The procedure will be over and you’ll be able to go home.
Benefits of Joint and Bursa Injections
When performed by a qualified clinician, joint and bursa injections are safe and can provide pain relief to people who have been experiencing pain associated with arthritis and bursitis and have not found relief using home remedies. By placing anesthetic and anti-inflammatory steroid directly into or adjacent to the joint or bursa, these injections can also provide improvement in range of motion and overall joint and bursa functionality, depending on which area is affected.