Joint Injections
If you are having a difficult time finding relief from joint pain from medications or physical therapy, a joint injection may be the solution you’ve been looking for. A joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which a medication—typically a corticosteroid or anesthetic—is injected directly into a joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Commonly injected joints include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Joint injections are used to treat arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory or degenerative joint conditions.
In some cases, joint injections can also be used diagnostically to identify the source of pain.
Who Benefits from Joint Injections?
You may be a candidate for a joint injection if you have:
- Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- Reduced range of motion or difficulty using the joint
- Pain related to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or post-injury inflammation
- Joint discomfort that has not improved with physical therapy, oral medications, or lifestyle changes
- Occasional joint locking or clicking with pain
Joint injections can help reduce pain, improve joint function, and support rehabilitation efforts.
What to Expect
- Preparation: The skin over the joint is sterilized. Depending on the joint, you may be seated or lying down during the procedure.
- Imaging Guidance: For deeper or more complex joints, ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to ensure accurate needle placement.
- Injection: A thin needle is used to deliver medication into the joint space. You may receive:
- A corticosteroid to reduce inflammation
- A local anesthetic for immediate pain relief
- Duration: The injection usually takes around 20 minutes, with minimal discomfort.
After the procedure, you’ll be monitored briefly before going home the same day.
After the Procedure
- Immediate Relief: The local anesthetic may offer rapid but temporary pain relief within hours.
- Gradual Improvement: The steroid’s anti-inflammatory effect may take 2–7 days to fully take effect.
- Temporary Flare: Mild soreness or a short-term increase in pain can occur for 24–48 hours post-injection.
The goal is to reduce inflammation and allow greater movement with less pain, potentially supporting more effective physical therapy.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Activity: Rest the injected joint for 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity or high-impact movements during this time.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injection site for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling or soreness.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) may be used if recommended.
- Physical Therapy: Your provider may recommend rehab exercises once initial pain relief occurs to support long-term joint health.
- Return to Normal Activity: Most patients return to regular activities within 1–2 days, depending on the joint treated.
How Long Do Results Last?
Relief duration varies depending on the condition and type of medication used:
- Steroid injections: Relief may last weeks to several months
- Diagnostic injections: Temporary relief helps confirm the source of pain
Repeat injections are typically limited to 3–4 times per year to prevent joint or tissue damage.
Risks and Considerations
While joint injections are generally safe, possible risks include:
- Temporary increase in pain or swelling
- Infection (very rare)
- Bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reaction
- Joint damage with repeated injections
Your provider will evaluate your medical history to determine if the procedure is appropriate for you.