Infiltration for pain relief is one of the most effective techniques for treating chronic ailments that do not respond to other treatments. It involves the injection of a drug directly into the affected tissue so that it can achieve a faster and longer-lasting effect.
This treatment is performed on an outpatient basis at our chronic pain clinic at the Gemelli Giglio Foundation in Cefalù, without open surgery and without discomfort. In most cases, our patients can return to everyday life between 12 and 24 hours after the infiltration.
How the infiltration works: method, duration and resting times
This minimally invasive solution involves injecting a drug into the affected area so that it reaches the painful area sooner and in greater quantity than if it were applied orally, avoiding the systemic effects of medication.
To do this, Dr. Lo Bianco, a chronic pain specialist in Cefalù, uses cannulae that allow him to reach the painful spot and inject various substances of proven clinical efficacy. On some occasions, radiofrequency is used. This eliminates the risk of allergies or side effects.
Depending on the case, the infiltration technique takes between 5 and 30 minutes and requires a rest period that normally does not exceed 24 hours. Sick leave is usually only indicated when the person concerned has a job associated with risk factors (great strain, overload, etc.).
Although in most cases no accompanying person is required, it is advisable to come with a family member or friend when the person concerned receives sedation or when it is a periradicular infiltration. However, Dr Lo Bianco will in each case indicate the instructions or precautions to be followed both before and after the injection.
When is the infiltration suggested?
This fast, simple and successful method is the key to reducing joint pain and accelerating patient improvement. It is mainly considered when pain is very intense (even at rest) or when other pharmacological options have not had the desired effect. Applications (usually through corticosteroid infiltration, hyaluronic acid infiltration, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) infiltration) are also very helpful in improving the mobility of the affected person.
The most frequently infiltrated joints are the following:
Shoulder
Knee
The hip
The foot
Elbow
Hand
The effect of infiltrations for the treatment of pain lasts approximately 4 to 5 weeks. Improvement is generally visible starting from the third day.
In some cases, the practitioner may consider repeating the same procedure in the affected joint to determine the most suitable space and number of applications. However, at the Gemelli Giglio Foundation of Cefalù we work so that the patient can restore their quality of life as soon as possible, so we study each case carefully to reduce the number of sessions without reducing the results.
Benefits of joint injections
The main advantages of infiltration treatment include the following:
It is a simple technique that does not cause discomfort or suffering to the patient
It helps relieve pain, reduce swelling and restore quality of life
Has a prolonged effect (platelet-rich plasma infiltration achieves improvements over months and even more than a year, e.g. to treat knee pain)
Can be repeated several times a year (under medical examination)
no complications
Avoids adverse effects of drugs administered orally or intramuscularly
Discharge after infiltration is generally on the same day.
