What Is a Joint Injection?

A joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure in which medication is delivered directly into a painful joint (or the soft tissue next to it). The most common medications are a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) combined with a local anesthetic (to provide immediate numbing).

Image guidance — ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray) — is often used to help the physician place the needle accurately inside the joint.

Commonly treated joints include the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, wrist, and elbow, as well as spine-related joints such as the facet or sacroiliac joints.

Why Might I Need a Joint Injection?

Your doctor may recommend a joint injection if you have:

• Pain from osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, or bursitis
• Joint pain that has not improved enough with oral medication, physical therapy, or activity modification
• Swelling or inflammation inside the joint
• A need for temporary relief to allow better participation in physical therapy or daily activities

The injection can reduce inflammation and pain for weeks to months in many patients. Results vary.

How Do I Prepare?

Preparation is usually simple:

• Medications: Tell your doctor about all medications, especially blood thinners. You may need to stop certain blood thinners for a short time (only as directed).
• Eating & drinking: Most patients can eat and drink normally before the procedure.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treated joint.
• Allergies: Inform the team of any medication allergies, especially to anesthetics, steroids, or contrast dye.
• Transportation: You can usually drive yourself home, but arrange a ride if you feel more comfortable or if sedation is used.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

The procedure typically takes 10–30 minutes and is done in an office or outpatient setting.

Typical steps:

1. You are positioned so the joint is easily accessible. The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
2. Local anesthetic may be used to numb the skin.
3. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance, a thin needle is carefully advanced into the joint space.
4. A small amount of contrast may be injected to confirm correct needle position on imaging.
5. The corticosteroid and local anesthetic mixture is injected into the joint.
6. The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied.

What Should I Do for Aftercare?

Immediate Care

• You can usually go home shortly after the procedure.
• Apply ice to the injection site for 15–20 minutes at a time if there is soreness.
• The local anesthetic often provides immediate relief that lasts a few hours.

Activity Guidelines

• Rest the joint and avoid strenuous activity or heavy loading for 24–48 hours.
• Gradually return to normal activities as pain allows.
• The steroid typically begins working in 1–3 days (sometimes up to a week). Maximum benefit may take several days.

What to Expect

• A temporary increase in pain (“steroid flare”) can occur for 1–2 days after the injection. Ice and over-the-counter pain relievers usually help.
• Pain relief can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the joint and individual response.

What Are the Risks?

Joint injections are generally very safe. Possible risks include:

• Temporary increase in pain or swelling at the injection site
• Infection (rare)
• Bleeding or bruising
• Allergic reaction to the medication
• With repeated steroid injections over time, possible weakening of tendons or cartilage (your doctor will limit frequency when appropriate)

Your physician will discuss the specific risks and benefits for your situation.

When Should I Call My Doctor?

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage from the injection site
• Fever
• Severe or worsening pain lasting more than a few days
• New numbness, weakness, or other concerning symptoms

Important Disclaimer

This document provides general educational information about image-guided joint injections for pain management. It is not personalized medical advice. Individual recommendations, medications, and techniques vary. Always discuss your specific situation with your treating physician.