Joint Injections & Orthobiologics in Wakad

When oral medications, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications are insufficient to manage joint or tendon pain, localized injections offer a powerful, minimally invasive treatment option. Joint injections deliver therapeutic substances directly to the site of inflammation or damage, maximizing efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. At Star Ortho & Women Care, Dr. Rahul Kalekar performs targeted injections for a variety of conditions, including knee osteoarthritis, shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, trigger finger, and plantar fasciitis. We offer different types of injections tailored to your specific pathology.

Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory medications. A steroid injection rapidly reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain in the affected joint, bursa, or tendon sheath. They are highly effective for acute flare-ups of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, frozen shoulder, and trigger finger. Relief is often noticeable within a few days and can last for several months. Steroid injections are particularly useful for providing a 'window of pain relief' that allows a patient to comfortably engage in physiotherapy. However, they are used judiciously to avoid potential side effects of repeated use.

Healthy joints contain synovial fluid, which provides lubrication and shock absorption. In osteoarthritis, the concentration and quality of hyaluronic acid in this fluid decrease. Viscosupplementation involves injecting a gel-like substance (hyaluronic acid) directly into the knee joint to supplement the diminished fluid. This acts as a lubricant, reducing friction, pain, and stiffness. Gel injections are particularly beneficial for patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who are not yet candidates for joint replacement surgery. The pain relief from a single course can last for 6 to 12 months.

PRP therapy represents an advancement in orthobiologics — using the body's own healing mechanisms to treat musculoskeletal conditions. A small amount of your blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. This platelet-rich plasma, which contains high levels of growth factors, is then injected into the injured tissue. PRP is increasingly used for chronic tendinopathies (such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, and plantar fasciitis) and is showing promise in the management of early-stage knee osteoarthritis by promoting a healing environment and reducing inflammation.

Joint injections are performed in our clinic as a quick outpatient procedure. Dr. Kalekar uses aseptic techniques to ensure safety. Local anaesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. After the injection, you may be advised to rest the joint for 24–48 hours and apply ice if there is any minor post-injection flare (a temporary increase in pain). For steroid injections, the full benefit is usually felt within 3–7 days. For gel injections, it may take a few weeks to notice maximum improvement. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions and arrange follow-up to monitor your progress.

Common queries about injection therapies.

• Are they painful? Discomfort is minimal; we use fine needles and local anaesthesia.
• How long do steroid injections last? Several months, providing a window for physiotherapy.
• What is a gel injection? Hyaluronic acid injected to lubricate an osteoarthritic knee.
• Is PRP safe? Yes, it uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reaction or rejection.
• How many steroid injections are safe? Generally limited to 3–4 times per year in a single joint.