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Joint Injections

Unfortunately for the human race, there are a bunch of other joints besides the spine and neck that fall prey to pain created by injury or arthritis. We’re talking about the the knees, shoulders, hips, wrists, and ankles in particular. When it comes to injections for these other joints, expect it to take the form of either hyaluronic acid or cortisone. Let’s discuss each in turn.

Hyaluronic Acid
Not technically defined as a medicine – it’s probably more accurately described as a supplement – hyaluronic acid, when injected into a troublesome joint, boosts the body’s natural supply of the stuff. Hyaluronic acid serves as lubricant and a shock absorber of sorts in a healthy joint, allowing adjoining bones to move smoothly over each other. In osteoarthritis in particular, the body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid seems to break down. A booster injection can reduce pain and inflammation, though only for a short period of time. A typical shot schedule is to receive one weekly for anywhere from three to five weeks. You may need to revisit this shot schedule periodically to keep the pain away. Expect that you will have a small amount of joint fluid drained first to make room for the hyaluronic acid.

Cortisone
We’ve discussed the use of cortisone (steroid) injections for spine and neck pain, but they can also be quite effective in addressing the other joints we’ve mentioned. For example, Dr. Kaufman might inject cortisone directly into a bothersome knee for pain-relieving benefits that last from a few days to six months or longer. The downside to cortisone injections is that, eventually, they are liable to cause the breakdown of cartilage in the joint, which is exactly the kind of thing we want to avoid. For that reason, you will likely be limited to the number of cortisone injections you can receive in each joint.

Worth mentioning is the idea that Dr. Kaufman may suggest a procedure called arthrocentesis, more commonly known as “draining the joint.” More commonly associated with knees, arthrocentesis is a quick way to reduce swelling and pain but also allows for a fluid sample to be sent to the lab for testing.

Those in the Miami, Florida, area are invited to call 786.369.4010 today for an appointment with Dr. Kaufman. His world class knowledge and skill in applying pain management techniques could set you on the road to recovery sooner than you ever imagined.

Patient Testimoanials

  • "I've suffered with back pain ever since my back surgery. Due to Dr. Kaufman and his non-surgical, non-invasive spinal injections, my pain has been greatly alleviated. It saved me another trip back to the operating room"
    Donna Franchetti Patient
  • "After spine surgery that did not relieve my pain I was referred to Dr. Seth Kaufman. He gave me his full attention and patiently listened, with empathy, to all my concerns and made me feel as though I was his only patient. Dr. Kaufman has managed my back pain, effectively, for many years. My only regret is that I did not meet him prior to surgery. I have complete confidence and recommend him to anyone without reservation."
    Sharon James Patient
  • "I'm a patient of Dr. Seth Kaufman's. For several years he has really helped me relieve the pain in my back and my legs. I've received several shots from him and they have really helped me. He is always available and he is very compassionate. I would highly recommend him."
    Ann Robinson Patient
  • " I was referred to Dr. Kaufman by my primary care physician, thank God, and he has helped me tremendously with pain after my back surgery, extensive back surgery, when I was left with more pain then I got rid of. Through his injections and use of topical ointments most of the pain has gone away. He is still helping me and still trying to get rid of the rest of it."
    Mary Wilson Patient
  • "I am a patient of Dr. Seth Kaufman's and have been seeing him for several years for back issues and knee issues. He has treated me very well, his injections were great and I got a lot of relief from him. I would recommend him to anyone, at any time."
    Robin Fisher
  • "Dr. Seth Kaufman, I cannot say enough wonderful things. This man saved my life from pain. He is dedicated and wonderful and I don't know what I would do without him. I would like to adopt him as my son, but so does everyone else who knows him. He truly keeps the pain out of my body."
  • "I was referred to Dr. Kaufman about 10 years ago. I was scheduled to have back surgery due to herniated discs in my lower back. Dr. Kaufman suggested injections and I took his advice. He administered several injections and I've been pain free for over 10 years, with no surgery needed and Dr. Kaufman continues to be my doctor. He's very, very knowledgeable and an expert in his field and I thank him very, very much."
  • "I had severe back pain. It started out of the blue and I felt it going down my leg. I am a spine surgeon myself and I have been caring for patients with these pains for years – I knew exactly what the problem was as soon as I obtained an MRI – I had a herniated disk - and I could not see myself taking care of patients with this horrible pain. Doctor Kaufman gave me 2 epidural steroid injections and I went back to work the same day with no pain. Most patients do not need spine surgery and if you are like me, try to avoid surgery. The best way to avoid surgery is with a properly targeted transforaminal epidural steroid injection, done in a modern safe manner – “transforaminal”. This applies to both neck and back pain. I recommend Dr. Kaufman to all my patients and my family. Call him and he will help you without surgery."
    Dr. Georgiy Brusovanik, MD Orthopedic Spine Surgeon and Dr. Kaufman’s Patient