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Katherine A. Larkin, PA is in Baltimore, MD specializing in physiatry (physical medicine & rehabilitation). Katherine A. Larkin, PA is affiliated with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital and MedStar Health.
5601 Loch Raven Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21239
Joint Injections
A joint is any area of the body where two bones connect. Due to injury or disease, the space between the two bones can sometimes become swollen and inflamed, which leads to pain and a loss of mobility. Injection and aspiration are two tools that physicians use to treat joint pain locally without needing to perform surgery.
Both injection and aspiration are techniques that involve inserting a needle connected to a syringe directly into the joint. Aspiration involves the removal of excess fluid, and injection is the placement of medication directly into the joint space via the needle. Both procedures may be performed at the same time. In both cases a local anesthetic may be used, the skin will be cleaned and disinfected, and then the needle will be inserted. In some cases, especially if the injection or aspiration is in a large and deep joint such as the hip or spine, ultrasound may be used to guide the needle to the exact location desired.
In some cases, irritation to the joint can cause fluid to build up so significantly that the joint hurts and can no longer move well. Aspiration removes some of the excess fluid and relieves the pressure. In addition, aspiration can be used to provide a sample of joint fluid if it needs to be examined microscopically for the presence of white blood cells, bacteria, or crystal formations.
Certain injuries and diseases that affect joints are inflammatory in nature, such as rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis or gout. These diseases may be helped by the local injection of anti-inflammatory medications directly into the affected joint. In this case, corticosteroids such as methylprednisone are usually used. Relief from the pain may be felt right away and may last for weeks or even months.
In some cases, such as with osteoarthritis, the cartilage buffer between the two bones wears down and pain comes from bones rubbing against each other. In this case, injection of a lubricating agent such as hyaluronic acid may be beneficial. It provides a slippery cushion between the bones to relieve pain that can last for months.
She is certified by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant.
Board Certification: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, Physician Assistant
Katherine A. Larkin, PA is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Katherine A. Larkin, PA appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, HealthSpring, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, M.D. IPA (HMO), Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: POS, Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, United Student Resources, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, HealthyBlue PPO, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, PPO and PPO Plus and Innovation Health: POS Plus.
According to our sources, Katherine A. Larkin, PA accepts the following insurance providers:
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Ms. Katherine Larkin accepts Blue California, Coventry, and Coventry Health Care Plans, in addition to other insurance carriers. Ms. Larkin is affiliated with MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital and MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital.