Use of injections for osteoarthritis in joints and sports activity.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and can be a major source of disability. Many older patients continue to be active in sports-related activities; therefore, the treatment of the active patient with osteoarthritis is becoming more common. Intraarticular corticosteroids have been widely used for the treatment of osteoarthritis. There are no guidelines for the administration of corticosteroids, and they can be associated with increased risk of tendon rupture and infection. Viscosupplementation has gained popularity in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Intraarticular injections of hyaluronic acid have shown to decrease pain and improve functional outcomes.