Joint Injections

Joint injections are pain-relieving procedures with a goal to quiet a pain signal from a joint and to decrease inflammation.

You will begin the exam on the exam table to give the radiologist the best access. Your radiologist may use imaging guidance such as fluoroscopy or CT (computerized tomography) to guide the medication to the exact location for maximum pain relief. A needle will be slowly guided into the joint space. A local anesthetic and steroid will be administered through the needle. The anesthetic may begin working in a few minutes but can take up to 48 hours for the full effects.

Cortisone (intra-articular corticosteroid) injections are given to reduce moderate to severe joint pain. Three injections are done once a week for three weeks. The injections are done in the physician’s office and take only a few minutes. They are pain-free.

The hyaluronic acid (a naturally occurring substance found in joint fluid) usually begins to work in three to six weeks after the initial injection and pain is reduced. Most patients begin to feel greater range of motion between the second and third injection.

Do not eat or drink prior to your procedure. You may receive special instructions from your physician to take your usual amount of medication with a small amount of water. Notify your doctor if you are taking blood thinners like Coumadin or other medications that prevent clotting such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Plavix. These medications must be stopped seven days prior to your procedure.