Joint blockages include the introduction of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the affected area. A similar technique is now actively used by doctors who are involved in the treatment of various diseases associated with joints, as well as the musculoskeletal system.
The basis of this procedure is the principle that allows you to enter drugs directly into the lesion, which significantly increases the effectiveness of the treatment process. It helps to quickly and effectively eliminate the many available side effects that can occur with the usual administration of medications.
What are blockades
Therapeutic medical blockade of the joints is a modern effective method of eliminating pain and many other manifestations of neurological diseases. The principle of operation of such a technique is as simple and understandable as possible to everyone. A drug is introduced into the focus of inflammation, which begins to act immediately.
The effectiveness and unique properties of such a treatment technique allow you to quickly get rid of even severe pain and feel relief. Therapeutic blockade of the joints has proven itself on the most positive side and has been used for many years.
Varieties of blockades
There are several different types of blockade of joints, in particular, such as:
- paraarticular;
- rearticular;
- intraarticular.
Paraarticular blockade refers to one of the most effective types of therapy, which is used for a wide variety of joint syndromes and diseases. A similar technique is based on the introduction of the drug into the area located near the affected joint.
Its main goal is to eliminate the focus of pain and the main cause of its occurrence. Of great importance is the fight against the localization of painful manifestations. The main advantages of this blockade are the speed and the absence of side effects.
Periarticular block is also called periarticular, since the treatment mixture is injected directly into the region of periarticular tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles. The drugs used are characterized by a prolonged action. The analgesic effect lasts for a long time.
Periarticular blockade is completely painless and safe, which makes it possible not to use additional anesthetics. Dosage is selected strictly separately for each person.
Intraarticular blockade refers to minimally invasive procedures, during which the drug is injected directly into the joint. The procedure is carried out under the supervision of technology.
Indications for injection
If stiffness and the first unpleasant symptoms occur, blockade of the joint is mandatory for neurological diseases, which include complications of the chest, cervical and lumbar spine. In particular, such pathologies and disorders include such as:
- tunnel syndrome;
- osteochondrosis;
- neck or back pain;
- pain in the spine with intervertebral hernia;
- rheumatism;
- headache;
- osteoarthritis of the joints.
In addition, many other types of drug blockages can be carried out as prescribed by the attending doctor. The neurologist determines the course of blockades strictly separately.
Pros and cons of the procedure
With very severe pain in the affected area, blockade is indicated. An injection in the joint has certain pros and cons. Among the main advantages it should be noted such as:
- quick pain relief;
- You can repeatedly apply a similar technique;
- almost no side effects;
- intraarticular injections do not carry the risk of introducing bacteria into the joint cavity;
- therapeutic effects are observed.
However, it should be borne in mind that this technique has certain disadvantages, among which it should be noted such as:
- It is not the main method of treatment;
- does not eliminate the root cause of the disease;
- the injection itself injures the joint;
- prolonged use of this technique leads to the destruction of the joint.
Since there are certain pros and cons of carrying out such a procedure, only the attending physician prescribes it, since it has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account.
Blockade of the knee
Those who are often tormented by severe joint pain, it is important to know what it is - blockade of the joints and how it is carried out. This is the most popular procedure for arthritis and arthrosis. The legs are one of the most vulnerable areas of the human skeleton, since they account for a significant part of the load. Blockade of the knee joint with arthrosis is both anesthetic and therapeutic. In this case, it is possible to eliminate inflammation and painful sensations, to restore a person's working ability, which is very important.
For the blockade, special drugs of a narrow spectrum of action are used. Not only analgesic injections are introduced, but also antiseptics and antibiotics. The impact of the injections used lasts a long time. Among the main indications for the blockade can be noted such as:
- reactive synovitis;
- non-infectious arthritis;
- post-traumatic and postoperative arthritis;
- bursitis, periarthritis.
In addition, it is shown that therapeutic blockades are carried out in the absence of an effect of pain medications, in the presence of deforming osteoarthrosis and chronic arthritis.
Injections into the knee joint can be performed on both sides or only from the outside. Doctors prefer the second option, as it is easier to perform and the safest for the patient. If the situation is very difficult and the pain is intense, then injections can be made from both sides.
During the procedure, the patient lies on his back, and a small roller is placed under the knee area. The drug "Novocaine" is injected into the affected area of the patella, then the leg is bent, unbent, and rotational movements are also performed.
Shoulder injection
Blockade of the shoulder joint is characterized by a high degree of effectiveness in the professional implementation of the procedure. Due to its natural structure, this joint is unstable, which is why dislocations, injuries, damage to ligaments are quite common. In addition, he has a high degree of mobility compared to other joints.
All this is exacerbated by a small number of periarticular tissues, ligaments and muscles, as well as joints. Due to the fact that several muscle groups are involved, the normal functioning of the shoulder joint is maintained. Muscles are damaged due to frequent injuries, severe physical exertion. In this case, the pain is permanent.
In the event of acute pain, blockade of the shoulder joint is necessarily performed so that further complex treatment of the affected area can then be carried out.
During the procedure, a person lies on his back and bends his arm at the elbow. As a result, a small tubercle begins to protrude. It is located between the coracoid process of the scapula and the humerus. It is in this area that a blockade is taking place.
Other types of pain relief
Blockade of the elbow joint occurs when a person bends his arm at the elbow to a right angle. The area into which the needle will be inserted is located between the ulnar process and the lower part of the epicondyle. Blockade of the wrist joint must be performed on the back of the surface of the arm on the lines connecting the processes of the ulna and radius.
Blockade of the hip joint is carried out on either side of the surface. In this case, a person must be in a prone position with a straight thigh. During the puncture, the localization of the needle insertion area is slightly below the inguinal fold. When blocking the hip joint, the needle is inserted strictly into the bone.
Injections into the ankle joint are performed only on the front surface. During the procedure, the foot is given slight plantar flexion. When blocking the ankle joint, the needle should pass between the talus and the tibia.
Novocain blockade
Depending on the desired result, therapeutic blockades can be anesthetizing, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic. In modern neurology, pain blockades are often used, in particular novocaine.
Novocainic blockade implies that the patient is injected with the Novocaine pain medication directly into the affected area, while having an almost instant analgesic effect.
It allows you to almost instantly eliminate pain, which is very important when exacerbating diseases such as:
- radiculitis;
- osteochondrosis;
- intervertebral hernia;
- lumbago.
The resulting pain provokes muscle spasm, which further enhances the pain. Over time, the patient’s well-being worsens. Novocainic blockade helps to quickly and effectively eliminate pain and muscle spasm provoked by such a condition.
During the injection, the effect of the drug is directed directly to the source of pain, due to which the drug gives a very fast analgesic effect. Together with the elimination of pain, novocaine blockade helps relieve inflammation, swelling, spasms of blood vessels, normalize blood circulation and tissue nutrition. In addition, during the injection, metabolic processes are stimulated.
Blockade preparations
The choice of drug for the procedure is carried out strictly individually, taking into account the general condition and diagnostic results. If necessary, during treatment, the doctor can change the drug and continue therapy with other drugs or stop treatment. It is worth remembering that each medicine used for blockades has certain contraindications, which must be taken into account. In particular, for the treatment of prescribed drugs such as:
- anesthetics;
- chondroprotectors;
- hyaluronic acid;
- glucocorticoids;
- vitamins.
Blockade of the joint with arthrosis is mainly carried out using anesthetics. These drugs are used for targeted exposure. Even their single use can significantly reduce the painful manifestations. Often they blockade with drugs such as Trimekain, Novocain, Lidocaine. However, it is worth remembering that these drugs can provoke allergic reactions, so you need to use them very carefully.
Chondroprotectors are prescribed to stimulate restoration processes in the joint. However, such drugs also have an analgesic function. They can be prescribed for acute course of the disease and during remission. Intra-articular administration of chondroprotectors can reduce pain during exacerbations. Unlike tablets, they are injected directly into the affected area and do not require prolonged use.
Injections of hyaluronic acid preparations are not able to eliminate pain, however, they quite effectively cope with a lack of synovial fluid. Due to the introduction of hyaluronic acid into the cavity of the affected joint, restoration processes are activated.
The introduction of hormonal drugs into the joint is considered the best way to anesthetize the affected area. Hormones quite effectively cope with inflammation and act as immunomodulators. Often, a joint blockade is performed with Diprospanom, Kenalog, Hydrocortisone. Such drugs have a long effect, therefore, do not require too frequent administration.
The drug "Diprospan" is used most often. It is available in the form of a suspension or solution for injection. Depending on the available indications, the doctor selects an individual dosage. When carrying out joint blockade with Diprospanom, anesthetics are often not used. It is necessary to administer the medicine very slowly so as not to provoke an increase in painful sensations. The procedure should be performed by a qualified doctor, since there is a possibility of damage to adjacent tendons and muscles.
Blockade of the knee joint "Diprospanom" is quite effective for bursitis of various etiologies and localization. It is possible to carry out treatment with this drug no more often than 1 time in 2-3 months. Finishing the course of therapy, the dosage should be gradually reduced, since a sharp withdrawal of the drug can provoke a deterioration in well-being.
Vitamins can also be used for blockade. Their task is to improve the nutrition of cartilage, as well as creating conditions for the normalization of blood circulation. Often prescribed “Combilipen” or “Milgamma”.
Feature of the procedure
Blockades, regardless of difficulty level, are carried out only in specialized medical institutions. Before the procedure, preparation is required. In particular, actions such as:
- take a shower and change clean linen;
- take spare clothes and replaceable shoes with you;
- if the patient has rather long hair, they need to be hidden under a scarf or a special hat;
- It is forbidden to talk during the procedure.
Initially, the doctor explains to the patient exactly how the procedure is performed, then he treats the affected area with an antiseptic and selects the area for the introduction of a therapeutic injection.
An empty syringe is used to puncture the affected joint cavity so that the resulting fluid can be removed. Then, the drug is drawn into the syringe, a specific area in the joint cavity is punctured, and the drug is slowly injected.
After the introduction of a medication prescribed by a doctor, it is necessary to ensure peace of the affected area for at least 3 hours. After the procedure, it is recommended to exclude high loads on the affected joint.
Contraindications
The use of drug blockade may not always be indicated. There are certain restrictions, which include violations and conditions, such as:
- tendency to severe bleeding;
- sensitivity or contraindications to drugs;
- lack of consciousness in humans;
- blood pathology;
- hemophilia;
- epilepsy;
- pregnancy and lactation.
It is very important to consider contraindications, as various kinds of complications may occur.
Complications and side effects
The likelihood of complications after a therapeutic blockade is negligible. The risk of consequences largely depends on the well-being of the patient, as well as on the quality of the procedure and its variety. There are several types of complications, in particular, such as:
- toxic;
- vegetovascular;
- allergic
- inflammatory;
- traumatic;
- local reactions.
Toxic complications can occur as a result of the penetration of drugs into the lumen of blood vessels, as well as the wrong choice of the drug or its dosage. A similar problem can occur with a lack of experience with a medical professional.
An allergy to the drugs used can be delayed or manifest as anaphylactic shock. In the first case, the reaction is characterized by skin manifestations. With anaphylactic shock, a person's well-being begins to deteriorate very sharply. Respiratory failure develops, and heart failure may also occur.
Vegetative-vascular complications are manifested in the form of a sharp pressure drop. It is worth noting that the nervous system does not suffer much. In addition, there are no changes in the functioning of the heart and respiratory system.
Inflammatory reactions can develop as a result of infection. The most dangerous and serious consequences include meningitis, periostitis, osteomyelitis. Traumatic complications occur with damage to blood vessels or nerves. If present, bruising may occur.
In the case of the wrong drug, local reactions may occur. They also occur with a violation of the drug. The consequences are often manifested in the form of severe edema, increased pain and inflammatory reactions.
Reviews about the procedure
Reviews on joint blockade are quite diverse and have a wide range of ratings. Some say that the procedure is not very pleasant, but quite bearable, especially since the effect is felt immediately and lasts for a long time. Some speak of a lasting result, however, for them every injection is like torture, so they try to find less painful treatments.
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