Living with joint pain can make even the simplest activities—like walking, lifting groceries, or getting out of bed—feel like a challenge. If you’re struggling with pain in your knees, hips, shoulders, or other joints, joint injections might be the relief you’ve been looking for.
In this blog, we’ll break down what joint injections are, how they work, and who might benefit from them.
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injections are minimally invasive treatments that deliver medication directly into a painful joint. These injections typically contain:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Local anesthetics to numb the area and provide immediate relief
- In some cases, Visco supplementation (like hyaluronic acid) or regenerative medicine (like platelet-rich plasma, or PRP)
By targeting the source of the pain directly, joint injections can provide fast, effective, and lasting relief.
What Conditions Can Joint Injections Treat?
Joint injections are commonly used to treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Gout
- Joint degeneration due to wear and tear
They are often recommended when conservative treatments like physical therapy, rest, or medications haven’t provided enough relief.
Common Joints Treated
Joint injections can be performed in almost any joint in the body. The most commonly treated areas include:
- Knees
- Shoulders
- Hips
- Elbows
- Ankles
- Facet joints (in the spine)
What to Expect During the Procedure
Joint injections are typically done in-office and take just a few minutes. Here’s what you can expect:
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned and sterilized. A local anesthetic may be applied.
- Guidance: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to ensure precise placement of the injection.
- Injection: The medication is injected directly into the joint space.
- Post-procedure: You’ll rest briefly, then can usually go home the same day.
Most patients experience relief within a few days, and the effects can last from several weeks to several months depending on the condition and type of injection.
Are Joint Injections Safe?
Yes. Joint injections are considered safe and are commonly used in pain management. Some people may experience temporary soreness or swelling at the injection site, but serious complications are rare. Your provider will review your medical history to ensure it’s the right option for you.
When to Consider Joint Injections
You might be a candidate for joint injections if you:
- Have chronic or severe joint pain
- Haven’t found relief from other treatments
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Need relief to participate in physical therapy or daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do joint injections last?
A: The relief from joint injections can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the joint, the medication used, and your individual condition.
Q: Are joint injections painful?
A: Most patients feel only minor discomfort during the injection, thanks to the use of local anesthetics. Some soreness at the injection site afterward is normal but usually temporary.
Q: How many joint injections can I get?
A: Typically, corticosteroid injections are limited to a few times per year in the same joint to avoid potential side effects. Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.
Q: Can joint injections cure arthritis?
A: Joint injections help reduce pain and inflammation but do not cure arthritis. They are part of a broader pain management strategy that may include physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
Q: Are there any risks or side effects?
A: Risks are low but can include infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, or temporary increase in pain. Your doctor will discuss these with you and take steps to minimize risks.
Q: Will I need imaging guidance for my injection?
A: Many joint injections are done with ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure accuracy and improve outcomes, especially for deeper or more complex joints.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If joint pain is interfering with your life, don’t wait. At Midtown Pain and Spine, we specialize in advanced pain relief options—including image-guided joint injections—to help you move and live with less pain. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our four pain management providers — Dr. Thomas Weber is board certified, and fellowship trained in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Brittany Hodorowicz (PA-C), Patricia McGrail (NP), Heather Allen (FNP-C) — self-referrals welcome!
