Corticosteroid Vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which Type of Injection Is Better?

More than 58 million Americans live with uncomfortable and limiting arthritis pain. If you’re one of them, you may want to consider joint injection therapy. Joint injections relieve pain, ease inflammation, improve mobility, and support your overall well-being. They’re also an excellent alternative to surgery and prescription medications.

As seasoned orthopedists who are dedicated to keeping you healthy and active, our team at MidJersey Orthopaedics offers a comprehensive scope of safe and effective arthritis and joint pain treatment solutions, including corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injection therapy. 

We use joint injections to alleviate pain, reduce swelling, and restore mobility. Here’s what you should know about two of the most helpful forms of joint injection therapy. 

What is a corticosteroid joint injection?

A corticosteroid injection is beneficial if you have bursitis, tendonitis, or osteoarthritis in one of your joints. Also called a cortisone shot or steroid shot, these injections are made of synthetic cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that acts as the body’s alarm system to control fear, mood, and motivation. It also regulates your blood pressure and keeps inflammation at bay.

What is a corticosteroid shot used for?

Corticosteroid injections aren’t pain relievers, but they reduce inflammatory cell activity in your joint for 3 to 4 months, leading to less pain. These shots can treat small, specific areas of your body, like a particular joint or tendon. Cortisone shots are great for:

• Gout
• Bursitis
• Back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis 

This type of injection is also suitable for treating autoimmune conditions such as asthma, allergic reactions, and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is a hyaluronic acid joint injection?

Hyaluronic acid injections, also called viscosupplementation, are beneficial if you’re experiencing joint pain regularly. These therapeutic injections are most commonly used to help alleviate persistent knee pain.

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that acts as a lubricant and shock absorber for your joints. These shots provide a supplement of this substance when your body isn’t making enough to keep your joints fluid, moving, and free of pain.

What is a hyaluronic acid shot used for?

Treating knee pain or osteoarthritis with viscosupplementation means that the hyaluronic acid missing in the joint is added from the outside. Viscosupplementation shots inject the natural cartilage component (hyaluronic acid) into the joint space to ease pain and discomfort.

Hyaluronic acid shots are great for:

• Chronic knee pain
• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Inflammation
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis

By restoring joint balance, the injection helps reduce pain and improve mobility.

Which joint injection is best for me?

In order to recommend the best form of injection therapy for your needs, our joint specialists at MidJersey Orthopaedics must first conduct an initial evaluation, gather a detailed medical history, and perform a comprehensive physical exam. 

This may include taking an MRI or X-rays to get a detailed look at your joints, bones, and soft tissues. A thorough evaluation helps ensure that our treatment recommendations align with your individual needs and goals. A corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injection could be an optimal solution for you.

Call MidJersey Orthopaedics to schedule a visit with one of our providers today, or use our easy online booking feature to request an appointment at one of our four locations any time. We have two offices in Flemington, New Jersey, as well as two more offices in Bridgewater and Washington, New Jersey.