INJECTIONS
Many aches and pains can be improved with changes to your shoes, orthotics, rest, physiotherapy and some simple over the counter medications and of course, patience.
If you aren't having success with these measures or want to try to improve/speed up your recovery, then an injection might be right for you.
Problems ranging from arthritis and osteochondral lesions to achilles tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis may benefit from an injection.
BEFORE YOUR INJECTION
Before considering an injection, it is important to consider the following:
Timing: For all Injections, it is usually advisable to not be having another procedure elsewhere on your body within 2 weeks. For steroid and HA injections, its best to limit strenuous activity on the involved area for about 3 days. After PRP its often advised to limit this type of activity for 3-7 days, depending on the area affected.
Risks: Depending the type of injection, risks of injections can range from a risk of soreness, pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, blanching of the skin, tendon rupture, and allergic reaction. Disappointment is a possible risk as there is no guarantee on how much or how long an injection will help.
Other treatments: Prior to considering an injection, be sure you have tried basic treatments such as shoe changes, orthotics, physiotherapy, rest and pain medications. If this fails, then it may be time to consider other options such as an injection. Alternatively, some patients who are actively in physiotherapy and utilizing the above treatments, may want to add an injection to try to speed up their recovery. Dr. Roberts can discuss with you the pros and cons of this approach.