Arthritis can be painful. Joints often swell up due to an involuntary inflammation in the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrists, hands and hip. Most of the time, your doctor will prescribe medication such as pain killers or steroids. However, if this fails to reduce discomfort, then injections for arthritis in London might be an option for you. Dr Stephanie Barrett, a Rheumatologist in London, explains;
Hydrocortisone Injections
These are normally the first choice for arthritis or joint pain in the shoulders, knees and hip. It’s a type of medicine known as corticosteroids. They are steroids but not the anabolic steroids associated with increasing muscle mass and athletic performance. This injection can offer relief from symptoms for two to three months and actively reduces inflammatory cell activity in the joint. There is a minimal chance of infection; however, if successful, then it’s an effective way to reduce pain and swelling.
How does it work?
Wherever the pain is, the injection of hydrocortisone goes directly into the joint. It’s injected the shoulder, elbow, knee, hand or hip. You can have a hydrocortisone injection in the same joint but no more than four times a year. However, not for people who need more than three joins injected into at one time.
The dose of hydrocortisone varies between 5mg and 50mg and depends on the size of the joint. The amount you inject can go up or down in the future depending on how well the last worked or the side effects.
Common side effects
Common side effects include intense pain and swelling in the joint where the injection was. You may also get some bruising, but this goes away after a few days. Because hydrocortisone injections are directly injected into the joint, it doesn’t travel to the rest of the body and is less likely to cause side effects. However, some of it can get into the bloodstream, which is more likely to happen with more frequent injections. In this case, it can cause depression, fever, confusion and weight gain in the upper back or belly (e.g. Cushing’s syndrome).
Injections for arthritis in London
Finding expert doctors in London can be daunting. Injections can improve your life massively. Contact Dr Stephanie Barnett to get some insights and information about injections for arthritis in London. Call on 0207 730 8508 or email at enquiries@drstephaniebarrett.com. Get peace of mind today.
