An Inside Look at Joint Pain, its Causes and Trigger Joint Injections

Living with painful joints can be stressful and a major hindrance when it comes to productivity. The activities you once enjoyed, such as walking down the lane or cycling, may become challenging. People experience joint pain differently. Some may describe the pain as a throbbing sensation, and it can be inflammation in others. Most people with joint pain wake up with stiffness that gets better as the day progresses upon movement. Although activities can help with the discomfort, the pain worsens if the tasks are plenty or strenuous. The intensity of the pain may also vary depending on the root cause of joint pain. Regardless of the pain severity, West New York, NJ neuromusculoskeletal medicine that includes trigger joint injections may help improve your condition.

What is a trigger point injection?

This is a treatment method used to relieve chronic muscle and joint pain. Trigger joint injections involve administering corticosteroids directly into trigger points to relieve pain. Sometimes these injections can have a combination of corticosteroid and local anesthetics such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. In some cases, doctors may insert a needle without any medication and anesthesia, a procedure known as dry needling that inactivates the trigger points resulting in pain relief.

Besides joint pain, trigger point injections can also be used to treat problems affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous system, such as myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia.

What causes joint pain?

You may develop joint pain due to a previous injury or as a result of underlying medical conditions that include:

• Tendonitis
• Gout
• Bursitis

Below are the most common medical conditions that cause joint pain.

Osteoarthritis

This is the most common form of arthritis which develops gradually and worsens during old age. Osteoarthritis occurs when the articular cartilage wears out, causing bones to rub against each other upon motion. The joints in your body contain a hard coating whose role is to prevent two bones from touching. Older people have a higher chance of developing this condition as the cartilage naturally gets brittle or weak with time. People with occupations that require repetitive movement of particular body parts, including arms and legs, may also be at risk for osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes your body’s immune system to attack the synovial membrane, causing swelling and pain.

Techniques used to administer trigger point injections.

Professionals in healthcare facilities administer a trigger point injection. Patients may be expected to lie or sit on a flat surface or an exam table. Your doctor physically identifies the trigger point and marks the area. Using alcohol or clean cleansers such as betadine, your specialist will clean the injection site before proceeding. To reduce discomfort during the injection, your doctor may use a numbing spray like ethyl chloride to make your experience less painful. Imaging tests such as ultrasound may not be necessary for trigger point injections. The doctor precisely guides the needle into the trigger point and injects the medication. It is normal to experience pain at the injection site, which may improve with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

Most patients experienced an improved quality of life after getting treatment for joint pain. For further inquiries on trigger joint injections, reserve a session with your specialist at The Doctor’s House.

Daisey Bell

I am Daisy Bell and a pro-level blogger with years of experience in writing for multiple industries. I have extensive knowledge of Food, Fitness, Healthcare, business, fashion, and many other popular niches. I have post graduated in arts and have keen interest in traveling.