Injections for Joint Pain
What is a joint injection?
Joint injections are used to identify the source of pain as well as treat a painful injury or condition.
How long will the joint injection last?
Joint injections are not always a permanent pain relief treatment; however, they may bring relief for several weeks or months. If the pain returns joint injections can be repeated.
What are the different types of injections for joint pain?
There are several types of injections for joint pain:
- Steroid injections – primarily used to treat arthritis pain. Patients may receive 3 months of pain relief or longer.
- Bursa injections – used to treat painful Bursitis typically found in the shoulder, elbow, and hip.
- Viscosupplementation (gel injections) – only available for the knees, these injections also reduce pain and swelling at the joint, but typically provide patients 6 months of pain relief or longer.
- Nerve block injections – prevent painful joints from sending their pain signal to the brain.These injections typically offer short-term relief, however if a steroid is used it may provide longer pain relief. If this is effective, a patient may additionally be a candidate for a radiofrequency ablation which would provide much longer duration relief.
What happens during the injection for joint pain?
Injections for joint pain typically contain a steroid and a local anesthetic. Patients will remain awake during the procedure but will be given a local anesthetic to numb the skin before the pain relief injection is given. A small needle is inserted and the medication is injected. The injection procedure takes only a few minutes followed by a short recovery period.
What happens after the injection for joint pain?
Typically you will be able to drive yourself home after these procedures. The site of the injection may be sore for a few days, which can be treated by applying moist heat and ice for a day or two. It is important to rest the area following the injection. Gentle stretching is often beneficial.
For additional information regarding pain relief injections, please click to Request an Appointment.
