Corticosteroid injection
The most commonly used option. It reduces inflammation within the joint, helps relieve pain, and may improve mobility.
Arthritis Joint Injections
Image-guided joint injections can reduce pain, calm inflammation, and improve mobility in arthritic or degenerative joints.
Overview
Image-guided joint injections that calm inflammation, improve lubrication, or support healing in arthritic and degenerative joints.
Injection options
Viscosupplementation
Hyaluronic acid can help lubricate and cushion the joint, and may improve movement and reduce stiffness, especially in knee osteoarthritis.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Uses the patient's own blood to promote healing and may improve pain and joint function over time when appropriate at the clinic.
Common joints and conditions treated
- Knee, shoulder, hip, and other small or large joints
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Inflammatory joint pain
- Post-traumatic joint pain
Joint injection site
Image guidance supports precise treatment for arthritic joints.
What is injected
The most common injection combines a corticosteroid with a local anesthetic. The steroid reduces inflammation inside the joint, while the local anesthetic provides immediate short-term relief and can help confirm the joint as the pain source.
Hyaluronic acid injections improve joint lubrication and may reduce stiffness, particularly in knee osteoarthritis. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses the patient's own blood to support healing and may be appropriate in selected cases.
What to expect after the procedure
- Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site
- Temporary increase in pain, sometimes called a steroid flare
- Temporary numbness from the local anesthetic
- Some patients notice relief within a few days
- Steroid injections typically work within 2 to 7 days and full benefit may take up to 2 weeks
Aftercare and benefits
These procedures are minimally invasive and image-guided, offering a focused approach to joint pain with a straightforward recovery. They can offer meaningful improvement in pain and mobility, reduce the need for ongoing medication, and in some cases help delay or avoid surgery.
- Apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes at a time
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if needed
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 to 48 hours and gradually return to normal activities
Risks and when to contact the clinic
- Pain, swelling, bruising, infection, bleeding, allergic reaction, or incomplete relief
- Temporary increase in blood sugar, especially in patients with diabetes
- Rare skin changes or fat thinning at the injection site
- Seek medical attention for increasing redness, swelling, or warmth, fever or chills, severe or worsening pain, or difficulty moving the joint
Alternatives
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Activity modification
- Bracing or supports
- Surgery in selected cases
- No treatment
Next Step
Discuss whether arthritis joint injections is appropriate.
The clinic can review your symptoms, prior treatment, imaging, and whether this procedure fits into your care plan.
If you have a question after a recent procedure, call the clinic directly rather than waiting for an online response.