Rheumatology Consultants West New York
Rheumatology Consultants West New York

Injections

The Rheumatology Consultants of Western New York in Buffalo specialize in administering joint injections. We are dedicated to providing you with the most relief possible from your joint pain. We are proud to offer our extensive services to the Buffalo community. If you have bursitis, arthritis or tendonitis and need relief, call us at (716) 675-7376. We have the experience and staff to provide the highest quality of care!

 

Corticosteroids
Viscosupplementation
Denosumab (Prolia)
 

Corticosteroid Injections

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If you have persistent joint pain and want to learn more about corticosteroid injections in West Seneca or surrounding areas, the Rheumatology Consultants of Western New York are delighted to serve you. We are dedicated to proper diagnosis for joint pain, and providing the best plan of treatment for relief.

What is a Corticosteroid?

Corticosteroids are synthetic forms of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your body in response to stress and as an aid in short term pain relief. The difference between natural and synthetic cortisone is that synthetic is much more powerful, and is engineered to last longer. The corticosteroid injection, or “cortisone shot”, is comprised of powerful anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling, and other compounds that block pain receptors.

Why a Corticosteroid Injection?

Corticosteroids can be administered systemically by mouth or by intravenous infusion, or they can be administered by intramuscular injection. Intramuscular steroid injection allows us to target the beneficial effects directly to the affected joint, with less risk of the body-wide side effects typical of systemic steroid administration. They are also minimally invasive (small needle) and can be done quickly in an office visit.

But… Don’t They HURT?!?

Although they may be uncomfortable to inject in a painful area, a topical refrigerant is given prior to a steroid injection into a joint. A local anesthetic may also be injected with the corticosteroid. When necessary, a joint injection may require the aid of an ultrasound for guidance.

Will It Work On My (Insert Body Part Here)?

Commonly injected joints include the knee, shoulder, hip, spine, ankle, elbow, wrist, base of the thumb and small joints of the hands and feet, but they can be effective in any almost any joint.

How Fast Do They Work? And How Well?

Athletes and non-athletes of all ages have benefitted from cortisone shots, and they have become a popular treatment for muscle and joint pain in the last ten years. Most people find cortisone shots to be an easy and effective treatment for recurring painful joints. Many people with arthritis benefit from corticosteriod injections. Combined with physical therapy, the results from steroid injections can be maximized. The shot starts to work within 36-48 hours after injected, with symptoms often improving within 3-7 days. A good result is pain relief and improved function for several months.

Is There A Downside?

Chronic and severe swelling may take more than one injection to provide relief, and depending on the nature of your condition, cortisone shots may be limited to a specific number per year because repeated injections may cause deterioration of the cartilage in the joint.

Hey, Aren’t Steroids BAD For You?

While these treatments do consist of steroid injections, corticosteroids bear little resemblance to the so-called “performance enhancing” anabolic steroids we sometimes read about in the newspapers!

Viscosupplementation

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These substances are given for knee osteoarthritis that is inadequately controlled with corticosteroid injections, oral medications, or altering mechanics. In these procedures, low-viscosity gels similar to the fluid that naturally surrounds the joints in your body, called hyaluronates, are injected into the joint. These injections may postpone the need for knee replacement operations.

Patients should avoid strenuous activity and long periods of standing for 48 hours after the injection is given.

 

Examples of Substances Used for Viscosupplementation Are:
Generic CompoundTrade Name
Hylan G-F 20Synvisc
  
  

Denosumab (Prolia) for Osteoporosis   

Denosumab (Prolia) is a treatment for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women or men who are at high risk for fracture. Prolia works to decrease the destruction of bone, thereby increasing bone mass and strength. Unlike many other osteoporosis treatments, Prolia may be given to patients with significant kidney disease. Prolia is administered every six months via subcutaneous injection.

 
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