{"id":141149,"date":"2025-11-01T19:31:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-01T19:31:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kinamihealth.com\/?p=141149"},"modified":"2026-10-13T13:47:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T13:47:06","slug":"orthopedic-injection-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kinamihealth.com\/ca-en\/blog\/orthopedic-injection-types\/","title":{"rendered":"What Are the Main Orthopedic Injection Types and Which Works Best?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Orthopedic injections are one of the most common non-surgical treatments for joint pain, especially for osteoarthritis, which affects more than four million Canadians according to Arthritis Society Canada. Several types exist, and each acts differently: some calm inflammation quickly, others restore lubrication over the longer term. Understanding these differences helps patients and clinicians choose the right option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding Orthopedic Injections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An orthopedic injection delivers a product directly into a joint, a bursa or the tissue around a tendon. Because the product acts where it is needed, the dose can be smaller and the effect more targeted than with oral medication. The choice of product depends on the diagnosis, the joint, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Main Orthopedic Injection Types<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Corticosteroid Injections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories. They often relieve pain within a few days and are used for osteoarthritis flares, bursitis, tendinitis and inflammatory joint conditions. Their effect generally lasts a few weeks to a few months. Because repeated injections at short intervals may affect cartilage, their number is limited each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid. In osteoarthritis, its concentration and quality decrease. Viscosupplementation restores lubrication and cushioning in the joint. Relief appears more gradually, over a few weeks, but can last up to six months or longer in suitable patients. In Canada, options include single-injection products such as MONOVISC\u00ae<\/a>, DUROLANE\u00ae<\/a> and SYNVISC-ONE\u00ae, and multi-injection protocols such as ORTHOVISC\u00ae<\/a> and SYNVISC\u00ae<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combination Products: Hyaluronic Acid + Corticosteroid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CINGAL\u00ae<\/a> combines cross-linked hyaluronic acid and triamcinolone hexacetonide in a single injection. It aims to provide the early relief of a corticosteroid together with the longer-lasting lubrication of hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, centrifuged to concentrate platelets and their growth factors. It is used for some tendon conditions and osteoarthritis. Results vary between preparations and protocols, and improvement is gradual over several weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prolotherapy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant solution, often dextrose, near ligaments or tendons to stimulate a local healing response. It usually requires several sessions, and the evidence supporting it remains more limited than for corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What About Stem Cell Injections?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Stem cell therapies for joint conditions are not authorized by Health Canada for routine clinical use; they are only available within authorized clinical trials. Health Canada has warned the public about clinics offering unauthorized cell therapies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Choose the Right Injection Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n