Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that can significantly impact your quality of life, making even simple tasks like walking or climbing stairs a challenge. While there are various treatments available, injectable therapies have gained popularity for their ability to target symptoms directly in the affected joint. At Life Fit Wellness in Falkirk, these injections are performed under ultrasound guidance, ensuring precision and improving effectiveness. This blog explores the benefits of different injections, including corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid, and how the personalised approach at Life Fit Wellness can help you achieve better outcomes.
What Are the Most Common Injections for Osteoarthritis?
When it comes to managing osteoarthritis, not all injections are created equal. Each type offers unique benefits and considerations, making it essential to understand your options before making a decision. Let’s break down the most common injections used for OA treatment.
1. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a well-established treatment for managing inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis. They are particularly effective in providing rapid relief from flare-ups and reducing swelling in the joint.
Corticosteroid Injections
Benefits
- Quick Pain Relief: Corticosteroids work quickly to reduce inflammation, often providing relief within days.
- Short-term Effectiveness: Ideal for managing acute episodes of pain or inflammation.
- Versatility: Can be used in multiple joints affected by OA.
Considerations
- Effects are temporary: Typically lasting a few weeks to a few months.
- Overuse risks: Can lead to cartilage damage, potentially worsening osteoarthritis in the long term.
- Not ideal for long-term management: Best suited for short-term relief rather than ongoing disease management.
2. Ostenil Plus
Ostenil Plus is a hyaluronic acid-based injection designed to restore joint lubrication and improve function. It mimics the natural synovial fluid found in healthy joints, making it a popular choice for those with mild-to-moderate OA.
OSTENIL® Plus Treatment
Benefits
- Enhanced Joint Mobility: By replenishing synovial fluid, it reduces friction within the joint.
- Longer-lasting Relief: Effects can last up to six months.
- Safe for Repeated Use: Suitable for patients seeking ongoing management without steroid-related risks.
Considerations
- Most effective for mild-to-moderate OA: May not be suitable for severe cases.
- Benefits may take a few weeks to become noticeable: Not an immediate solution for pain relief.
- Longer-term solution: If you’re looking for fewer risks, OSTENIL® Plus could be the right choice for you.
3. Sinovial HL
Sinovial HL is another hyaluronic acid-based injection, but it contains a higher molecular weight for enhanced viscoelasticity. This provides improved shock absorption and joint cushioning, making it a strong option for those with more advanced OA.
Sinovial HL Treatment
Benefits
- More Effective for Different Stages of OA: Offers greater relief for patients, even those with more advanced OA.
- Improved Comfort: Its higher molecular weight provides superior joint protection and lubrication.
Considerations
- Delayed onset of effects: Similar to other hyaluronic acid products.
- For severe osteoarthritis: Sinovial HL may offer the additional support your joints need.
4. Cingal
Cingal is a combination injection that merges hyaluronic acid with a corticosteroid, offering both immediate pain relief and long-term joint lubrication. However, it is currently only licensed for knee injections.
Cingal Treatment
Benefits
- Dual Action: Combines the immediate anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids with the longer-lasting benefits of hyaluronic acid.
- Convenient: Reduces the need for multiple injections by addressing short- and long-term symptoms simultaneously.
Considerations
- Best suited for moderate-to-severe OA: May not be ideal for mild cases.
- Repeated use caution: As with corticosteroids, repeated use should be approached cautiously.
- Ideal solution: If you’re looking for a treatment that offers both immediate and long-term benefits, Cingal could be the ideal solution.
Why Choose Life Fit Wellness for Your Osteoarthritis Treatment?
At Life Fit Wellness in Falkirk, the injection process is patient-centred. Your clinician takes the time to thoroughly assess each individual, considering their medical history, symptoms, and activity levels.
Ultrasound Guidance: All injections are performed under ultrasound guidance for precise targeting of the affected joint, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Comprehensive Consultation: The consultation includes an ultrasound scan to evaluate the joint condition and guide treatment selection.
Holistic Advice: Beyond injections, your clinician provides tailored advice on lifestyle modifications, activity adjustments, and specific exercises to improve joint health and optimise outcomes.
How Do You Choose the Right Injection for You?
The choice between corticosteroid, Ostenil Plus, Sinovial HL, and Cingal injections depends on several factors, including the severity of OA, patient preferences, and overall treatment goals. At Life Fit Wellness, this decision is made collaboratively, ensuring patients are well-informed and confident in their treatment plan.
By combining advanced injection techniques, expert guidance, and a focus on holistic care, Life Fit Wellness empowers individuals to manage osteoarthritis effectively and regain control of their mobility and quality of life.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re struggling with osteoarthritis and want to explore your treatment options, Life Fit Wellness in Falkirk is here to help. With a personalised approach and state-of-the-art techniques, you can find the relief you need to live a more active, pain-free life.
If you are interested in an ultrasound-guided injection and would like one of our team to get in touch to discuss, please complete the form here or book a consultation online today.
