Joint injections are a procedure in which medication is directly injected into the affected joint, both as part of treatment and to relieve symptoms. However, injections go beyond just joint treatments.

There are several types of injections in orthopedics. An injection, in general, involves applying a substance through a needle directly to the area where we want it to take effect. Unlike systemic treatments, such as oral medications, intravenous, intramuscular, or even topical treatments (like patches that can have either local or systemic effects, such as Restiva and Toperma), injections target specific areas.

In general, injections can be made inside a joint, around it (e.g., ligaments and tendons), or even in certain muscles, such as trigger point injections, depending on the condition being treated. Many injections require the use of ultrasound to guide the application and ensure precision, providing greater safety. Orthopedic injections can be performed in the office or under sedation in a surgical center to minimize discomfort, always using aseptic techniques to reduce the risk of infection.

It’s important to note that injections, in addition to relieving pain, assist in rehabilitation and contribute to healing. They are especially effective when combined with other therapeutic techniques. In orthopedics, most treatments are multimodal and multidisciplinary, meaning various components and professionals collaborate in patient care.