The efficacy of dexamethasone injection for knee Joint, back or arthritis pain
For years, people have been looking for doctors to help them with joint pain as a result of inflammation. The inflammation can cause a significant amount of pain and even make it difficult to walk or perform normal functions within the area of the body where the inflammation is occurring. The most common places for joint inflammation is within the knees and the elbows.
If you have ever had a cortisone injection, it is a corticosteroid that is being injected into the body in order to provide temporary relief. Most people with joint problems are going to need multiple injections, though they are given in intervals that can range from weeks to months apart.
Dexamethasone for joint injections has been effective because it is one of the stronger corticosteroids that are available. It is popularly used for reducing inflammation and is also available in a topical gel and cream to reduce the inflammation for dermatitis and other skin issues.
There are predominantly two strengths of dexamethasone that are used: 0.05% and 0.25%. The 0.25% is considered highly potent and is labeled as a Class IV steroid. This means that it can help to reduce the inflammation of joints quickly so you can begin to see marked improvement.
The efficacy of dexamethasone for a joint injection is going to depend on the strength, the number of injections, as well as the individual patient. People who have not responded well to the cortisone injections may benefit from a higher potency corticosteroid, such as what’s provided with dexamethasone.
Most doctors are going to be cautious when prescribing dexamethasone and that’s because of how strong it is. You are going to have to disclose all medicines that you are on as well as any herbal products that you are taking. The goal is to prevent any kind of negative reaction and if you don’t disclose everything, there could be problems internally or externally.
Although the joint injection of dexamethasone goes into the body, it could cause a rash on the outside of your body. You may also experience blurred vision, sudden hair growth, and potentially even an infection of the hair follicles, known as folliculitis. While these are worst case scenarios, it is important to be aware of them so you can be on the lookout for them and tell your doctor if you experience any.
In many people who experience musculoskeletal problems, whether it is caused by a sports injury, rheumatoid arthritis, or something else, dexamethasone for joint injections can be very effective. You simply have to find out whether you are a candidate for the injection or not and then get on a treatment plan with a doctor who will schedule the injections for you.