What are intra-articular infiltrations and when are they needed?

Joint pain can be extremely debilitating, significantly affecting quality of life. Fortunately, there are a number of treatments available to manage pain and improve mobility. At Elytis Hospitalwe offer a wide range of rheumatology services, including intra-articular infiltrations, to help patients regain comfort and independence.

What are intra-articular infiltrations?

Intra-articular infiltrations are minimally invasive procedures that inject a drug directly into the affected joint. These injections can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain and improve joint function. At Elytis Hospital, our experienced rheumatologists perform intra-articular infiltrations using advanced techniques and ultrasound guidance to ensure maximum accuracy and safety.

Types of intra-articular infiltrations available at Elytis Hospital

• Corticosteroids: These powerful anti-inflammatory agents can provide rapid relief of pain and inflammation in joints affected by arthritis, tendonitis or bursitis.
• Hyaluronic acid: This natural substance is found in synovial fluid, which lubricates joints. Hyaluronic acid injections can help restore the viscosity of synovial fluid, reducing friction and pain in joints affected by osteoarthritis.
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma): This innovative therapy uses the patient's own blood cells to stimulate tissue healing. PRP contains a high concentration of growth factors, which can help repair damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation.

When are intra-articular infiltrations necessary?

Intra-articular infiltrations may be recommended for a variety of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis: This degenerative condition is the most common cause of joint pain and is characterized by damage to joint cartilage. Infiltrations with hyaluronic acid or PRP can help relieve pain and slow disease progression.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Infiltrations with corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Gout: This form of arthritis is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Corticosteroid infiltrations can help reduce inflammation and relieve acute pain.
• Tendonitis and bursitis: These inflammatory conditions affect tendons and bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints. Corticosteroid infiltrations can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Sports injuries: Corticosteroid infiltrations or PRP can be used to treat a variety of sports injuries such as sprains, strains, sprains and ligament tears.

Benefits of intra-articular infiltrations at Elytis Hospital

• Pain relief: Intra-articular infiltrations can provide significant pain relief, allowing patients to resume normal daily activities.
• Improve mobility: By reducing inflammation and pain, intra-articular infiltrations can help improve joint mobility and flexibility.
• Minimally invasive procedure: intra-articular infiltrations are minimally invasive procedures with minimal risks and fast recovery time.
• Long-lasting effect: Depending on the type of infiltration and the condition being treated, the beneficial effects of intra-articular infiltrations can last from several weeks to several months.

Why choose Elytis Hospital for intra-articular infiltrations?

• Medical expertise: At Elytis Hospital, you will be treated by experienced rheumatologists specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic conditions.
• Advanced technology: we use ultrasound guidance techniques to ensure maximum precision and safety during infiltration procedures.
• Personalized approach: the treatment plan is tailored to the individual needs of each patient, taking into account the specific condition, severity of symptoms and medical history.
• Integrated care: rheumatology is closely linked with other specialties at Elytis Hospitalsuch as orthopaedics, internal medicine and physiotherapy, ensuring a comprehensive approach and integrated therapeutic solutions.

Recovery and rehabilitation after intra-articular infiltrations:

After an intra-articular infiltration, you may experience slight pain or discomfort at the injection site. These symptoms are usually mild and disappear within a few days. Your doctor may recommend applying ice to the affected area and avoiding strenuous activity for 24-48 hours.

In addition, your doctor may recommend a personalized recovery and rehabilitation program, which may include physiotherapy, physiotherapy or massage. These therapies can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve mobility and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Preventing rheumatic conditions

Although not all rheumatic diseases can be prevented, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing these conditions or to slow their progression:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on joints, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis.
• Exercise regularly: regular exercise helps strengthen muscles and keep joints flexible.
• Eat a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for a number of rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis.

The Elytis Hospitalwe are dedicated to providing high quality medical care for patients with rheumatic conditions. Our team of experienced rheumatology physicians utilize the latest techniques and therapies to help patients regain mobility, comfort and independence.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you.

Latest medical review:

23.01.2025, Dr. Ana Karina Gîlcă – Medic Specialist Reumatologie