Joint Injections

Joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in joints affected by conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, or injury. These injections are commonly used for knee, shoulder, and hip joints to help patients manage pain, improve mobility, and enhance quality of life.

What Conditions Can Joint Injections Help With?

Joint injections are often recommended for conditions such as:

• Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the knee, shoulder, or hip
• Tendonitis or bursitis (inflammation of the tendons or bursae)
• Pain or stiffness related to joint injury or degeneration

Joint injections can help reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness, and may improve your ability to perform daily activities with greater ease.

Types of Joint Injections

• Corticosteroid Injections: These are commonly used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Corticosteroids are fast-acting and can offer significant relief for weeks to months.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation): Primarily used for the knee, these injections aim to improve joint lubrication and reduce pain, especially in patients with osteoarthritis.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood and can promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. It’s sometimes used for patients who prefer non-steroid options.

Procedure Overview

Joint injections are usually performed in an outpatient setting. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes, though some preparation and monitoring time may be needed.

Steps of Administering a Joint Injection:

1. Preparation

You’ll be asked to lie or sit in a position that allows easy access to the joint being injected. Your doctor may use imaging guidance, such as ultrasound, to ensure precise needle placement.

2. Cleaning and Numbing

The skin over the joint is cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution. A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and minimize any discomfort during the injection.

3. Injection

A small needle is inserted into the joint space, and the medication (corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or PRP) is injected into the joint. Imaging guidance, such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy, may be used to ensure accurate placement of the injection.

4. Post-Injection Monitoring

After the injection, you’ll be monitored for a short time to ensure you are comfortable and not experiencing any side effects. You’ll then be given instructions for home care and discharge.

When Can I Go Home?

Most patients can go home shortly after the procedure, typically within 15-30 minutes. You may experience some mild soreness at the injection site, but this should resolve within a day or two.

After the Procedure

• Activity Restrictions: Avoid strenuous activities involving the injected joint for 24-48 hours after the injection. Gentle movement is generally encouraged, but follow any specific instructions from your doctor.
• Pain Relief: Pain relief usually begins within a few days for corticosteroid injections. Hyaluronic acid injections may take a few weeks to reach their full effect, and PRP may take several weeks for optimal benefit.

Frequency of Injections

The number and frequency of injections depend on the type of injection and the individual’s response to treatment:

• Corticosteroid Injections: Typically, corticosteroid injections can be given up to three or four times per year, depending on the joint and the condition being treated. Some patients experience relief after a single injection, while others may need periodic injections for ongoing pain management.
• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Often administered as a series (e.g., one injection per week for three to five weeks), though some types may be given as a single injection. Relief can last several months.
• PRP Injections: Generally, one to three injections are needed, spaced several weeks apart, with full benefits often observed over several months.

Final thoughts

Many patients experience significant pain relief from joint injections, which can improve their mobility and quality of life. However, the degree of relief and the duration vary depending on the condition, joint type, and treatment selected. While joint injections can reduce pain and inflammation, they may not be a permanent solution, and the results may vary.

If you have any questions about your recovery or if you need further guidance after the procedure, please do not hesitate to contact our office.