Joint Injections

What are joint injections?

Joint injections use a solution that combines an anesthetic and corticosteroid to relieve joint pain and inflammation. During the procedure, your provider injects this solution into your injured joint, which generally takes less than 10 minutes, to provide long-lasting relief from discomfort.

How do joint injections work?

Joint injections combine the benefits of an anesthetic and corticosteroid at the precise location of your joint pain. Anesthetics numb the pain while corticosteroids reduce inflammation that may increase your pain or cause swelling, which can also increase pain. Used in the appropriate doses based on the size of your joint, joint injections can give you relief from joint pain when other conservative options — like over-the-counter pain relievers — don’t work or you’re experiencing a flare-up of certain types of arthritis.

Joint injections can be used for the following conditions:

• Spinal pain
• Sacroiliac joint pain
• Shoulder pain
• Elbow pain
• Wrist and hand pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Ankle and foot pain
• Arthritis
• Chronic joint pain

The providers always complete a thorough exam and medical history before recommending joint injections to ensure the procedure is a safe and effective choice for you.

What can I expect when getting a joint injection?

When your provider recommends a joint injection, they begin the procedure by cleaning your skin and marking the location of the injection with a washable surgical pen. Then your provider sets up a diagnostic ultrasound machine with the hand-held wand directed at your joint to allow for precise application of the injection in the correct location.

When you’re ready, your provider uses a thin, sterile needle to inject the solution into your joint. The injection takes less than 10 minutes, and you may feel a slight prick or pinch when the needle is inserted. Afterward, the needle is removed, and a bandage is placed over the injection site.

For the next 1-2 days, you may feel a mild burning or tingling sensation at the injection site. Your provider may also recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a couple of days. Otherwise, you can resume your normal daily routine right away.

Your provider encourages a follow-up visit to determine the effectiveness of the injection and recommend additional treatment if needed.

To schedule a consultation for a joint injection at Bryant Medical Group, call or book online now.