At AzBJSMC we utilize several cutting-edge pain management and specialized procedures to effectively treat pain and restore function.
Zilretta a new anti-inflammatory steroid
Many patients with chronic joint pain and osteoarthritis have received injections of a type of anti-inflammatory medication called a steroid or corticosteroid. These corticosteroids work by temporarily reducing inflammation in arthritic knee joints. The duration of pain relief following the joint injection can vary, with some patients experiencing days or even up to a month or beyond of pain relief.
We are one of the few clinics in the Phoenix area to offer a new, enhanced type of corticosteroid called Zilretta. The first and only approved treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain utilizing extended-release microsphere technology, Zilretta consists of tiny particles containing a corticosteroid medicine called triamcinolone acetonide, which helps reduce pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis.
Under ultrasound imaging guidance, we carefully and comfortably inject Zilretta directly into your knee joint. The microspheres in Zilretta stay put, slowly and continually releasing their medicine for about 3 months. This extended release steroid formulation can provide longer pain relief for many patients. It can also be a better choice than a standard corticosteroid for patients with type 2 diabetes or with systemic medical conditions sensitive to standard corticosteroid treatments.
Many insurance plans cover Zilretta treatment, although a prior authorization may be required.
Zilretta microspheres slowly release pain medication into the knee joint for about 3 months
In a major clinical study, a single injection of Zilretta reduced knee pain for 3 months.
Iovera for chronic joint pain
Iovera is a safe, innovative pain relief treatment that uses extreme cold to stop nerves from sending pain signals to your brain. This effect is immediate, and can last 90 days.
Under careful ultrasound imaging guidance, our providers use Iovera to apply just the right amount of extreme cold only to the nerves that cause pain. This process delivers immediate pain relief in the time it takes for a routine doctor’s visit, and it doesn’t hurt. Iovera treatment is safe and does not damage or destroy any surrounding tissue.
If you are considering knee, shoulder or ankle surgery, Iovera treatment can be given before or after surgery to make recovery easier and less painful. Iovera has been shown to relieve pain, improve range of motion, and reduce opioid use following surgery, making the experience of having major joint replacement surgery much less painful, allowing patients to recover faster.
Tenex for chronic tendon and connective tissue pain
More info coming soon
Sonex for carpal tunnel and trigger finger release
Carpal Tunnel
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand, the median nerve, is compressed as it travels through the wrist.
Mild symptoms of CTS can be treated with directed home care, which may include specific exercises, stretching, avoiding activities that cause symptoms, or wearing a wrist splint. Medications or corticosteroid injections may also be recommended.
More severe cases of CTS may be treated surgically through carpal tunnel release (CTR), which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Traditional CTR procedures can remedy the condition, but may result in large and sometimes painful scars, ongoing hand pain, and a long road to recovery.
At AzBJSMC, we use an alternative treatment option performed in our office — carpal tunnel release with Sonex UltraGuide CTR under imaging ultrasound guidance.
Sonex CTR relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing recovery time. Most patients can return to work and normal activities in 3-6 days. This allows most patients to enjoy immediate motion so they can focus on getting back to their lives and the activities they love.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or TF, is a common condition in the United States with over 800,000 people diagnosed annually. TF is characterized by catching, snapping or locking as you flex or extend your fingers, causing pain, swelling and popping. This occurs when inflammation or swelling creates a nodule within the tendon sheath and prohibits the tendons from gliding smoothly. In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position.
Less severe symptoms of TF can be treated in various ways without surgery. Splinting of the affected finger, NSAIDs to reduce inflammation, corticosteroid injection, hand therapy and exercises, or change in activity to reduce forceful or repetitive motions are common non-surgical alternatives for mild cases.
TF can also be treated surgically with a procedure called trigger finger release (TFR). This procedure involves releasing the part of the connective tissue of the affected finger to allow the tendon to glide more freely and may be recommended if non-surgical treatment options do not offer improvement. Under careful ultrasound imaging guidance, our staff at AzBJSMC performs TFR through a minimally invasive approach called the Sonex UltraGuideTFR system to provide full mobility of your finger, with less scarring and a shorter recovery than traditional open trigger finger release surgeries.
Shock wave therapy
More info coming soon
