Major Joint Injections

Major (or “large”) joints include those of the shoulder, knee, and hip. These joints can become inflamed and are a common cause of pain for patients. This type of pain can stem from cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles, but most commonly is due to arthritis or inflammation from within the joint itself.

Pain can range from mild to severe, and can limit movement in advanced cases. This only serves to worsen arthritic pain, as activity and joint mobility are the primary methods recommended to combat arthritis.

After placing you under a fluoroscope (guided X-ray), a local anesthetic is injected to the affected area to cause numbing. Following this, the provider guides a small needle into position, and a corticosteroid is introduced. These steroids are designed to bathe the area and reduce inflammation in and around the joint.

Following the procedure, mild to moderate stretching is recommended to prevent re occurrence. Your provider may recommend exercises or a more structured physical therapy plan.