Joint Injections

Joint injections are shots into a joint in the body, such as the knee, hip or shoulder. Different types of medications may be used for joint injections, such as pain relievers and steroid medicines. 

Steroids can be injected directly into a swollen and painful joint to reduce inflammation. A steroid shot can sometimes help with short-term pain relief when other treatments have not worked. If steroid shots help, pain may improve for weeks or even months.

How are joint injections performed? First, the area over the joint will be cleaned. The doctor may then use a tiny needle to numb the skin in the area where the joint injection will be given. If a tiny needle is used to numb the area, the doctor will use another needle to inject the medicine. The doctor may use a pain reliever, steroid or both. You may feel some pressure or discomfort. 

The procedure takes 10 to 15 minutes.