What is injection therapy for the treatment of arthritis?

If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll know how frustrating and painful it can be when joints feel stiff, inflamed, and sore, sometimes to the point of limiting daily activities. While physiotherapy, exercise, and medication can help manage symptoms, some arthritis sufferers benefit from an additional treatment option: injection therapy.

Injection therapy is a targeted approach that delivers medication directly into the affected joint to reduce pain and improve mobility. At Bramhall Physio, we offer two main types of injection therapy for arthritis: corticosteroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections (such as Ostenil). Each works in a different way to help manage the effects of arthritis.

If you suffer from arthritis, you’ll know how frustrating and painful it can be when joints feel stiff, inflamed, and sore, sometimes to the point of limiting daily activities. While physiotherapy, exercise, and medication can help manage symptoms, some arthritis sufferers benefit from an additional treatment option: injection therapy.

Injection therapyis a targeted approach that delivers medication directly into the affected joint to reduce pain and improve mobility. At Bramhall Physio, we offer two main types of injection therapy for arthritis: corticosteroid injections and hyaluronic acid injections (such as Ostenil). Each works in a different way to help manage the effects of arthritis.

Corticosteroid injections for arthritis

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that can provide rapid relief for painful, swollen joints. These injections are often used in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bursitis. They work by calming inflammation within the joint, which in turn can reduce pain and improve movement.

The effects of corticosteroid injections can be felt within a few days and typically last several weeks or even months, depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. They are especially useful for flare-ups or when other treatments have not provided sufficient relief.

Hyaluronic acid injections (e.g. Ostenil)

Ostenil is a brand of hyaluronic acid injection used to treat osteoarthritis. Unlike corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid doesn’t target inflammation directly. Instead, it supplements the natural fluid within the joint, helping to lubricate and cushion the area, much like oil in a squeaky hinge.

In healthy joints, synovial fluid (which contains hyaluronic acid) allows smooth and pain-free movement. But in arthritic joints, this fluid can become thinner and less effective. Ostenil injections help restore the quality of this fluid, improving joint function and reducing discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid injections are usually given as a course of treatment (often one a week for three weeks), and results can last for several months. They’re particularly suitable for people who cannot tolerate steroid injections or who are looking for a more natural alternative.

Is injection therapy right for you?

Injection therapy isn’t a cure for arthritis, but it can be a highly effective part of a wider treatment plan. It’s often used alongside physiotherapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

How a physiotherapist in Bramhall can help

At Bramhall Physio, our experienced clinicians will assess your condition and discuss whether injection therapy is a suitable option for you. We offer both corticosteroid and Ostenil injections, and treatments are carried out by trained professionals in a clinical setting.

If you’re struggling with joint pain from arthritis and want to explore your options, get in touch with our team at our physiotherapy clinic in Bramhall, Cheshire. We’re here to help you move better, feel better, and live life with less pain.