Injections

Injections are often highly effective alternatives to surgery for musculoskeletal conditions that don’t improve with front-line treatments. Kellie K. Middleton, MD, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who provides various advanced injectables, including biological substances to promote healing and powerful anti-inflammatory pain relief drugs. Call Dr. Middleton’s office to find out how you can benefit from injections or request a consultation online today.

Why would I need injections?

Dr. Middleton might recommend injections if you have a condition that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication.

Most minor to moderate musculoskeletal injuries and the early stages of diseases like arthritis respond well to physical therapy exercises, passive treatments like electrotherapy, support with a splint, brace, or sling, and anti-inflammatory drugs. However, if these approaches aren’t working for you, injections are the next phase of treatment.

What can orthopedic injections treat?

The injections Dr. Middleton uses can treat various musculoskeletal problems, including:

• Arthritis
• Muscle strains
• Acute ligament injuries
• Acute muscle injuries
• Chronic tendon injuries
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Multiple sclerosis
• Tendinosis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Epicondylitis (tennis/golfer’s elbow)
• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
• Post-surgery pain

Before recommending treatment, Dr. Middleton performs a comprehensive physical exam, symptom review, and medical history check. She may also request diagnostic imaging such as an on-site X-ray or ultrasound scan, or off-site CT scan or MRI. These procedures create detailed images of the damaged structures.

What orthopedic injections are available?

Dr. Middleton offers the following injections:

Cortisone injections

Cortisone is a steroid that has powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.

Hyaluronic acid injections

Hyaluronic acid, or hyaluronan, is a natural lubricating fluid in the synovial joint cavities. It helps ease friction in arthritic joints.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections

PRP injections involve taking platelets from your blood, concentrating them in a centrifuge, and then injecting them directly into your inflamed soft tissues.

Stem cell injections

Stem cells are regenerative cells taken from your bone marrow or obtained from donated placental tissue or the umbilical cord following a healthy birth. Stem cells replace and repair your damaged tissues and promote healing.

ReNu® injections

ReNu contains amniotic tissue and fluids donated after a healthy birth. The effects typically last for about a year.

What happens when I have an orthopedic injection?

Dr. Middleton first numbs the injection site so you feel no discomfort. She uses ultrasound imaging guidance to view the damaged tissues and guide the needle to the correct place.

With some injections, like PRP, Dr. Middleton needs to harvest the cells from your body first. This involves having some blood drawn, just like you would for a blood test with your primary care provider.

Call Kellie K. Middleton, MD, to learn more about orthopedic injections. You can also book an appointment online at any time.