Relieve Pain & Restore Movement: Cortisone Injections for Osteoarthritis and Tendinopathy

Osteoarthritis and tendinopathy are common conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the joints and tendons. These conditions can affect daily activities and quality of life, making effective treatment essential for pain relief and improved function. Cortisone injections are a proven treatment option for reducing inflammation and alleviating pain associated with osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.

At Karratha Medical Centre, Dr Amir Waly provides cortisone injections as part of a personalised treatment plan to help patients manage joint and tendon pain. These injections are administered directly into the affected area to provide targeted relief, allowing individuals to move more comfortably and continue their daily activities with less discomfort.

How Cortisone Injections Work

Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid medication that helps reduce inflammation in joints and soft tissues. When injected into an affected joint or tendon, it works by calming the immune response that contributes to pain and swelling. This can provide significant relief for individuals experiencing discomfort from osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or other inflammatory conditions.

For osteoarthritis, cortisone injections are commonly used to relieve pain and stiffness in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and shoulders. They can also be beneficial for smaller joints affected by arthritis, such as those in the hands and feet. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and improve mobility, helping patients stay active and maintain joint function.

For tendinopathy, which involves chronic inflammation or degeneration of tendons, cortisone injections may be used to reduce pain and swelling, allowing for better movement and function. Tendon conditions such as rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, and Achilles tendonitis may benefit from this treatment when conservative therapies have not provided sufficient relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for a cortisone injection to work?

Most patients begin to experience relief within a few days after the injection. The full effect can take up to two weeks, depending on the severity of inflammation and the individual response to treatment.

How long does pain relief last after a cortisone injection?

The duration of pain relief varies between individuals. Some patients experience improvement for several months, while others may require additional treatments after a few weeks. The frequency of injections is carefully managed to avoid overuse.

Are cortisone injections safe?

Cortisone injections are a well-established treatment and are generally safe when administered by a medical professional. Side effects are uncommon but may include temporary soreness at the injection site, mild swelling, or skin thinning with repeated injections in the same area.

Can cortisone injections cure osteoarthritis or tendinopathy?

Cortisone injections help manage symptoms by reducing inflammation and pain, but they do not cure osteoarthritis or tendinopathy. They are often used in combination with other treatments such as physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to improve long-term outcomes.

How many cortisone injections can I have?

The number of injections recommended depends on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. In most cases, cortisone injections are limited to a few times per year for a specific joint or tendon to minimise potential side effects.

For those experiencing joint or tendon pain due to osteoarthritis or tendinopathy, a consultation with Dr Amir Waly at Karratha Medical Centre can provide a tailored approach to managing symptoms and improving mobility.

Book a Consultation

If you are considering treatment, we welcome you to book a consultation. Our priority is to provide ethical, medically appropriate care tailored to your needs.

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Disclaimer: Any treatment requires a medical consultation. Individual results may vary. This information is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice.