What Are Ultrasound-Guided Injections?

Ultrasound-guided injections are a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in injured or arthritic joints, muscles, and soft tissues. By using real-time ultrasound imaging, doctors can precisely target the affected area, ensuring the medication is delivered exactly where it’s needed—leading to faster relief and better outcomes.

Conditions Treated with Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Ultrasound-guided injections are commonly used to treat:

  • Arthritis pain (knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, ankle)
  • Tendonitis (rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, elbow)
  • Bursitis (hip, knee, shoulder)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Joint pain & inflammation
  • Nerve pain & entrapment (sciatica, peripheral neuropathy)
  • Sports injuries & overuse injuries

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Compared to traditional “blind” injections, ultrasound-guided injections offer:
✅ Greater accuracy – Targets the exact source of pain.
✅ Better pain relief – Medication is placed precisely where it’s needed.
✅ Less discomfort – Minimally invasive, with fewer complications.
✅ Faster recovery – Promotes healing and reduces downtime.
✅ Lower risk of side effects – Reduces unnecessary exposure to medication in surrounding tissues.

Types of Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Depending on your condition, different types of injections may be used, including:

  • Corticosteroid Injections – Reduce inflammation and pain in joints and soft tissues.
  • Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections – Improve joint lubrication for arthritis relief.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections – Stimulate natural healing using your own platelets.
  • Nerve Blocks – Target pain at the source by numbing specific nerves.
  • Prolotherapy & Regenerative Medicine – Encourage tissue healing with natural growth factors.

What to Expect During the Procedure

  1. Preparation – The area is cleaned, and a small amount of numbing medication may be applied.
  2. Ultrasound Imaging – A handheld ultrasound device is used to locate the precise injection site.
  3. Guided Injection – The doctor carefully inserts the needle while viewing real-time images to ensure accuracy.
  4. Post-Injection Care – You may experience mild soreness, but most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.

Are Ultrasound-Guided Injections Right for You?

If you're dealing with chronic pain, arthritis, or an injury, ultrasound-guided injections may be an effective, non-surgical option for relief. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Aaron Rodriguez at Curry Orthopedics to find out if this treatment is right for you.

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