You probably dont like injections. Few people do. But what about an injection that eases joint pain? Steroid (cortisone) shots can reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, while injections of hyaluronic acid can replace a naturally occurring substance your joints need to function properly. Although effective, these injections work best when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, diet, and exercise. Both of these treatments are reasonable for pain relief, says Susan Joy, MD, a member of the staff at Cleveland Clinic Sports Health. But if youre looking for a magic bullet, neither one will be it for very long. When you use all of these things as part of a plan to treat your arthritis, youre probably going to get the best results.
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