Living with joint pain can make even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge. If you’ve tried rest, medication, or physical therapy and still struggle to find comfort, your provider may recommend a joint injection. These treatments aren’t a cure for underlying conditions, but they can provide meaningful relief and help you move more comfortably.
In this post, we’ll cover how joint injections work, when they’re used, and the common areas where they’re given.
What Are Joint Injections?
A joint injection delivers medication directly into a joint space or surrounding tissue.
The goal is simple: target the problem area to lower pain and inflammation without affecting the rest of the body as much as oral medication might.
Most joint injections contain:
- Corticosteroids – to reduce inflammation
- Local anesthetics – for immediate pain relief
- Viscosupplements (like hyaluronic acid) – in some cases, to improve joint lubrication
Your provider will choose the right type of injection based on your symptoms, diagnosis, and health history.
When Are Joint Injections Used?
Providers may recommend an injection when joint pain continues despite rest, over-the-counter medication, stretching, or physical therapy. These treatments are often part of a broader plan to improve mobility and reduce inflammation.
Common conditions include:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Joint injury or overuse
- Degenerative joint conditions
In some cases, injections also serve a diagnostic purpose — if pain improves afterward, it may help confirm whether the joint is the source of the problem.
Where Are They Given?
Joint injections can be performed in various areas of the body, depending on the source of pain and treatment goal. Some of the most common sites include:
- Back – Injections may target facet joints in the spine to relieve pain from arthritis or injury. Some patients receive epidural steroid injections for nerve-related back pain.
- Knee – Frequently used for osteoarthritis. Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections often help reduce swelling and improve movement.
- Hip – Helpful for arthritis, bursitis, or labral tears. These injections often require imaging guidance for accuracy because the hip joint is deep within the body.
- Neck – Injections here target the facet joints or surrounding muscles to address stiffness, arthritis, or pain that radiates into the shoulders and arms.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Most injections take only a few minutes. Your provider may use ultrasound or X-ray guidance to make sure the medication reaches the exact spot.
Be prepared to experience some mild pressure or discomfort, but the anesthetic usually works quickly to numb the area. Some people notice immediate relief, while others improve gradually over several days.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects are usually mild and temporary. You might notice:
- Soreness at the injection site
- Slight bruising or swelling
- A temporary increase in pain before improvement
Serious complications are rare but may include infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, all of which your provider will discuss before the procedure.
How Long Do Results Last?
Many patients experience relief anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the condition being treated and the type of injection. Some need repeat injections, while others use the procedure as a bridge to help them stay active during physical therapy or lifestyle changes.
Book an Appointment for Joint Pain Treatment in Houston and Surrounding Areas
Joint pain can make even simple movements feel difficult—but you don’t have to manage it alone. At CLS Health, our pain management specialists take a personalized approach to evaluating joint pain and identifying treatment options, including targeted joint injections designed to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
During your consultation, we’ll review your symptoms, medical history, and imaging to determine whether joint injections or other therapies may be appropriate. If joint pain is affecting your comfort, activity level, or quality of life, scheduling an evaluation is an important first step toward relief and improved function.
