Non-steroid injection therapy goes by many names: chicken shots, rooster shots, gel shots, jelly shots, and lube shots. Whatever you call it wholly depends on what area of the US you hail from, but they all refer to non-steroidal injection therapy meant to lubricate your joints. The primary non-steroid injection therapy we use at Integrated Orthopedics is a hyaluronic acid treatment. 

 

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

With conditions such as osteoarthritis, your body loses hyaluronic acid, which it makes to keep joints lubricated. Hyaluronic acid injections add fluid to the arthritic joint to mimic normal joint fluid, thus attempting to recreate a healthy environment.

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What do hyaluronic acid injections treat?
Hyaluronic acid injections are most widely used for knee osteoarthritis. They can be a good option for those who don’t respond to pain medications or can’t take them. They can also be helpful for those who are not yet ready for a total knee replacement.

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How are hyaluronic acid injections performed?
Injections are performed in the office exam room. You may need to change into a gown and will be positioned so the doctor can most easily insert the needle for the injection. The injection site is cleaned and anesthetics are often used to numb the area. Ultrasound may also be used to ensure the needle is placed in the exact spot where the injury resides.

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How often are hyaluronic acid injections needed?
Injections are typically given in a series of 3 shots done once/week. They can be given every 6 months.

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How long do the injections last?
Hyaluronic injections can last for up to 6 months at a time.

What is the recovery time from a hyaluronic acid injection?
You will need to avoid weight-bearing activity on the knee joint for a couple days after a hyaluronic acid injection, but can then resume normal activity.

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What is the success rate for hyaluronic acid injections?
Hyaluronic acid injections have been used in orthopedic medicine with success for 20 years. In many cases, the outcomes are very good and can defer joint replacement surgery.

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Is Non-Steroid Injection Therapy Right for You?
If you think Non-Steroid injection therapy might be right for you and your injury, please contact us to schedule an appointment.