Joint Injections: Targeted Relief for Joint Pain

Joint Injections: Targeted Relief for Joint Pain

Joint pain can make even simple movements—like walking, bending, or reaching—difficult and frustrating. If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort from arthritis or injury, joint injections may provide effective, targeted relief.

At Deseret Rock Pain Specialists, we use joint injections to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to their normal activities.

What Are Joint Injections?

Joint injections involve delivering medication directly into a painful joint to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

These injections may include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Local anesthetics for immediate pain relief

Because the medication is placed directly into the joint, it works more precisely than oral medications.

What Conditions Do Joint Injections Treat?

Joint injections are commonly used to treat:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Shoulder pain (rotator cuff or arthritis)
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
• Joint inflammation from injury or overuse

They are especially helpful when pain is localized to a specific joint.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Joint injections are quick, minimally invasive, and typically performed in an outpatient setting.

During the Procedure:

• The skin is cleaned and numbed
• Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is placed into the joint
• Medication is injected directly into the joint space

The procedure usually takes about 15 minutes.

Recovery and Results

After the injection:

• You may experience immediate relief from the anesthetic
• Steroid effects typically begin within 2–5 days
• Full effect is normally achieved within 1-2 weeks

Most patients:

• Resume normal activities within 24 hours
• Notice improved pain and mobility within several days

Relief can last:

• Weeks to several months, depending on the condition

Benefits of Joint Injections

• ✔ Targeted, localized pain relief
• ✔ Minimally invasive with little downtime
• ✔ Improves joint function and mobility
• ✔ Can delay or avoid surgery
• ✔ Helps patients participate more effectively in physical therapy

Risks and Side Effects

Joint injections are generally safe, but potential risks include:

Common:

• Temporary soreness or swelling
• Mild increase in pain after the injection

Less Common:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Allergic reaction
• Temporary elevation in blood sugar (with steroids)

Serious complications are rare.

Is a Joint Injection Right for You?

You may be a candidate if:

• You have persistent joint pain affecting daily activities
• Conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief
• Imaging or exam confirms a specific joint as the pain source

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

At Deseret Rock Pain Specialists, we provide personalized treatment plans designed to help you move better and feel better.

📍 3665 S. 8400 W. Ste 200, Magna, UT 84044 📞 801-961-4010 🌐 deseretrock.com

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn if joint injections are right for you.