Shoulder injections are a common treatment option for individuals experiencing pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. These injections can be used to alleviate pain caused by a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. In this article, we will discuss the different types of shoulder injections, their indications, and how they are administered.
Types of Shoulder Injections
There are several types of shoulder injections that can be used to treat pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. These include:
Corticosteroid injections: These are a type of anti-inflammatory medication that can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. They are often used to manage conditions such as bursitis, tendinitis and frozen shoulder.
Hyaluronic acid injections: These injections are used to lubricate and cushion the shoulder joint. They can be used to manage osteoarthritis pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: These injections are made from a patient's own blood and are used to promote healing and reduce pain in the shoulder joint. They are often used to treat injuries and conditions such as rotator cuff tears and tendinitis.
Indications for Shoulder Injections
Shoulder injections can be used to treat a variety of conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. These include:
Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative condition that causes the cartilage in the shoulder joint to wear away. It can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.
Bursitis: This is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between tendons, muscles, and bones in the shoulder joint. It can cause pain and stiffness in the shoulder.
Tendinitis: This is an inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder. It can cause pain, weakness, and stiffness in the shoulder.
Rotator cuff tears: This is a tear in the tendons or muscles that attach the upper arm bone to the shoulder blade. It can cause pain, weakness, and limited mobility in the shoulder.
Frozen Shoulder: Also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. It occurs when the capsule of connective tissue that surrounds the shoulder joint thickens and tightens, limiting the joint's mobility.
How are Shoulder Injections Administered?
Shoulder injections are typically performed in a doctor's clinic. They are usually given as an outpatient procedure. The procedure is typically done under sterile conditions and the area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution before the injection. The needle is then inserted into the shoulder with or without the aid of an ultrasound and the medication is injected.
After the injection, the patient will be observed for a short period of time to ensure that there are no adverse reactions to the medication. The patient may experience some pain and discomfort at the injection site for a few days after the procedure.
Conclusion
Shoulder injections are a safe and effective treatment option for individuals experiencing pain and inflammation in the shoulder joint. They can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including osteoarthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before getting a shoulder injection and to follow their post-injection instructions. If you are experiencing pain in the shoulder, please contact ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent and book an appointment online without the need for a referral from a GP or physiotherapist.
About the Author: Dr. Mustafa Alnaib MBChB, MRCS, MSc, FEBOT is an orthopaedic surgeon, musculoskeletal doctor and Clinic Director at ACTIVATE Musculoskeletal Clinic in Kent.