In brief
- Medication is placed with imaging guidance inside the joint capsule, exactly where the inflammation is occurring.
- Relief from the anesthetic lasts several hours; the steroid usually takes 3 to 5 days to reach its full effect.
- Light activity for the first 24 hours lets the medication settle within the joint.
- A medication hold is typically not required for ultrasound-guided joint injections unless our office directs it.
Understanding your diagnosis
Chronic joint pain, whether in the shoulder, hip, or knee, is often the result of inflammation, osteoarthritis, or repetitive-use injuries. When the cartilage in these joints wears down or the surrounding tissues become irritated, it can lead to stiffness, swelling, and a significant loss of mobility that interferes with your daily life and exercise.
The treatment
A joint injection is a targeted treatment designed to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication (typically a corticosteroid) and a local anesthetic directly into the joint capsule. By depositing the medication exactly where the inflammation is occurring, we can reset the joint environment, providing rapid relief and reducing the swelling that causes pain.
Our approach
We believe that blind injections lack the precision our patients deserve. Dr. Pugh uses live X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance for all major joint injections, so the medication is placed accurately inside the joint space, maximizing your outcome while minimizing discomfort.
Before your procedure
Medication holds
A medication hold is typically not required for medial branch blocks, sacroiliac joint injections, or ultrasound-guided peripheral joint or bursa injections unless specifically directed by our office.
Fasting, sedation, and your ride home
- If you are receiving sedation, nothing to eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. Essential morning medications may be taken with a small sip of water only.
- We offer light or deep sedation. The level is decided by the physician and anesthesia team based on the procedure and clinical need.
- Any patient receiving sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult driver to take them home.
Where to go
Procedures are performed at one of three facilities: our clinic at 1925 Hospital Place, ACOM at 6449 Central Park Blvd, or Hendrick South at 6399 Directors Pkwy, Suite 100. Your appointment paperwork tells you which one. Please arrive early for registration and pre-procedure preparation.
Procedure day
- Guided by ultrasound or X-ray to ensure accurate needle placement.
- Local numbing is used to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
- The process is efficient, typically taking about 10 to 15 minutes.
- You can return home immediately following the appointment.
Benefits
- Rapid relief: reduces localized pain and calms the inflamed joint quickly.
- Restored function: decreases stiffness, allowing for a better range of motion.
- Avoids surgery: an effective non-surgical bridge to help you stay active and delay or avoid joint replacement.
Recovery
- Initial window: you may feel immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which lasts for several hours.
- The steroid effect: the long-term anti-inflammatory medication usually takes 3 to 5 days to reach its full effect.
- Activity: we generally recommend light activity for the first 24 hours to allow the medication to settle within the joint.
Afterward: what to expect
- The flare. It is common to experience a temporary increase in localized joint soreness for 2 to 5 days as the anti-inflammatory medication takes effect. Use ice packs (20 minutes on, 20 off) and continue baseline medications.
- Results. Peak relief typically occurs between 6 weeks and 3 months.
Activity
Wound care
Your procedure in one paragraph
You have undergone an intra-articular joint injection, a procedure in which medication is delivered directly into a joint space, such as the shoulder, hip, or knee, to treat inflammation and pain. By injecting a combination of local anesthetic and a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid directly into the joint, we aim to reduce swelling, improve joint lubrication, and restore your range of motion.
Follow-up schedule
- 1
1 month
Formal functional assessment of how well the injection worked.
Call us right away if you notice
- New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or foot drop
- Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever above 101.5°F, chills, or drainage at the site
- A severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing
This guide is the same information as the printed handout from Abilene Pain. It is general information and does not replace the instructions your care team gives you at your visit. Your care team: Nicolas Pugh, MD · Adrianne Anders, NP · Ted Chaka, PA.