Targeted injection treatments for MSK pain and sports injuries
What are MSK injections?
MSK injections are treatments used to target pain and inflammation affecting the joints, tendons, ligaments, bursae and surrounding soft tissues.
They are commonly used in sports medicine and musculoskeletal medicine to help manage conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendon pain, bursitis, soft tissue inflammation and some overuse injuries.
An injection may be considered when symptoms are limiting movement, affecting sport or daily activity, or not improving as expected with physiotherapy, exercise modification or other conservative treatments.
The type of injection recommended will depend on the diagnosis, the location of symptoms, the stage of the condition and what the treatment is aiming to achieve.
When might an injection be helpful?
An MSK injection may be used to reduce pain, calm inflammation, or support a return to movement and rehabilitation.
For some patients, the aim is to settle an irritated joint or tendon enough to allow physiotherapy and strengthening work to progress. For others, injection treatment may form part of a longer-term plan to manage arthritis, recurrent pain or an ongoing sports injury.
Injection therapy is not usually seen as a stand-alone solution. It works best when it is used alongside a clear plan, which may include rehabilitation, exercise advice, load management, bracing, footwear changes or activity modification.
Image-guided injection treatment
Dr Jones is skilled in the use of ultrasound, and injections may be performed using image guidance to improve accuracy and ensure the treatment is delivered to the intended area.
Image guidance can be particularly useful for deeper joints, smaller structures, tendon sheaths, bursae and areas where precision is important.
A treatment plan, not just an injection
The most important part of MSK injection treatment is making sure the injection is the right option at the right time.
Before any injection is recommended, Dr Jones will assess the problem, discuss the likely diagnosis and explain the role an injection may or may not play in the overall treatment plan. This includes a discussion around the expected benefits, possible risks, recovery time, aftercare and alternative treatment options.
The aim is to help patients make an informed decision and to use injection therapy in a way that supports long-term movement, function and return to activity.
Types of MSK injections
Corticosteroid injections
Corticosteroid injections may be used when inflammation is contributing to pain and restriction. They are commonly considered for irritated joints, bursitis, soft tissue inflammation and some tendon-related conditions.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Hyaluronic acid injections are most commonly used for joint pain and osteoarthritis. They aim to improve the joint environment and may help with pain, stiffness and function in selected patients. A lot of patients ask about specific brand types. Dr Jones can best advise which type is the most suitable for you.
Cingal – Hybrid Steroid and Hyaluronic Acid
Cingal® is a unique injection treatment offered by Dr Jones. It combines a fast-acting steroid (48hr relief) with long-lasting hyaluronic acid for the arthritic joint. The steroid controls inflammation in a much safer way than steroid alone, leaving a better joint environment for the high-dose hyaluronic acid to nourish, protect and enhance the joint space. Cingal can be safely repeated and can give pain relief for 6 months to 1 year, with greater pain reduction than just hyaluronic acid alone
Platelet-rich plasma injections
Platelet-rich plasma, often called PRP, uses a concentrated sample of the patient’s own blood platelets. PRP may be considered for arthritis, certain tendon problems, ligament injuries, joint pain and sports-related conditions where the aim is to support tissue healing and recovery.
Hydrogel – Arthrosamid
Arthrosamid® is an injectable hydrogel treatment used for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, designed to provide longer-lasting pain relief without surgery. It is made from 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, and it integrates with the synovial lining of the joint, giving a permanent structure. That doesnt mean it lasts forever, or everyone benefits, but it could be a worthwhile option should the above treatments have already been tried.
Dr Jones has been recognised as a Centre of Excellence within Joint Pain Freedom. A patient education and information group. You can read more about this and some of his injection options here. You may also find the Joint Pain Freedom website useful for further reading – See here
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