Infiltration is known as the fact of introducing a drug, medicine or substance into the body through a syringe in a specific area of the body. Generally, an analgesic mixed with some steroid is administered in order to help eliminate symptoms and treat an inflammatory process with the main objective of greatly improving the healing process and reducing pain.
This technique is increasingly used thanks to its high effectiveness since it can be administered almost anywhere on the body, since the infiltrations can be applied to joints as well as wounds, soft tissues or nerves. If you want to know more about the subject, in the following FastlyHealarticle we detail what infiltrations are for .
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In which cases are infiltrations used?
Infiltrations can be used in many cases and in most of them they are highly effective. The most common use is in inflamed joints , which can be due to various disorders such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis , among others. In these cases, no more than three joints should be infiltrated on the same day, and no infiltrations should be applied more than three times in the same joint throughout a year, although there are some exceptions. Since all joints in the body can be punctured, it can be applied to anyone with pain or inflammation.
Another very common use of infiltrations is in those who suffer from any type of tendonitis and in any part of the body, however, other treatments must also be considered depending on the location of the disorder, although it is always a good option, since it is one of the most effective therapies. After the condition has improved, it is important to find the cause that caused it, so it is essential to continue medical consultations after treatment.
For contractures there are numerous treatments that can help; however, when the contracture is localized, they can be of great help. Despite this, it is also important to find the source of the contracture and act on it to prevent it from recurring constantly.
Infiltrations are also highly recommended for lesions located in the insertions of the tendons in the bones in pathologies such as epicondylitis, epitrocleitis or Achilles tendonitis, among others. Likewise, these injections are very advisable when you suffer from a compression of some nerves, the most frequent is carpal tunnel syndrome , since they are usually totally effective, although the results can vary and last for days and, in other cases, years .
What substances infiltrate?
Among the most common substances used in infiltrations are:
- Depot steroid : These are corticosteroids, which are the most powerful substance that acts as an anti-inflammatory. In many cases, only one ampoule of this substance is needed to noticeably improve any symptoms, however, it is not recommended to apply it in people with diabetes.
- Local anesthetic without adrenaline : it is another substance widely used to infiltrate some contractures and, almost always, it is accompanied by other substances, mainly depot steroid since, in this way, the effect is more immediate.
- Hyaluronic acid : it is widely used and recommended for disorders such as knee arthritis. Although it corresponds to the type of preparation and the brand, generally, only one weekly infiltration is used for a consecutive month.
- Radioactive substances : they are also very frequent, mainly rhenium and ytrium, whose main function is to burn the membrane of the joints, that is, the mucosa that becomes inflamed when there is a disorder of the same. They are very powerful, so they are the last substances chosen if no other works correctly.
Side effects from infiltrations
Although it is a simple and safe technique, it is possible that some adverse effects result, but these are very rare and if they occur they do not last more than 24 hours. Some of the side effects may include:
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Hematoma in the puncture site
- Fever
- Increase in pain
- Inflammation of the affected area
- Allergic reactions if you are predisposed to any infiltrated reagent
- In diabetic people it could increase the level of glucose in the blood
However, these depend on the substance used in the infiltration, the dose, the duration of the treatment and the reaction of the body itself.
On the other hand, since it is an invasive procedure, there are certain risks that could arise, although they are more related to poor management or lack of antisepsis measures, among them the following stand out:
- An infection at the injection site
- Damage to any blood vessels, nerves, or tendons
- Bleeding
- Cutaneous atrophy, that is, a mark in the puncture area.
From these consequences it is clear the importance of going with medical personnel trained in infiltrations, specifically rheumatologists.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to What are infiltrations for , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.