Joint pain can be life-altering—limiting your mobility, affecting your sleep, and interfering with your ability to enjoy daily activities. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or inflammation, persistent joint pain deserves targeted treatment that goes beyond oral medications and physical therapy. One highly effective approach is joint injections, which deliver medication directly into the affected area for fast, localized relief.
At Fayetteville Internal Medicine, we offer several types of joint injections as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. This blog explores the different types of joint injections, how they work, and who may benefit from them.
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injections are minimally invasive procedures in which a healthcare provider injects medication directly into a joint, bursa, or surrounding tissues. These injections are designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint function—often helping patients delay or avoid more invasive treatments like surgery.
Joint injections can be used in various joints including the:
- Knees
- Hips
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Ankles
- Wrists
- Spine (facet joints)
Depending on the type of injection and the condition being treated, relief can be felt within a few days and may last from several weeks to several months.
Common Types of Joint Injections
There are several types of joint injections available, each offering unique benefits depending on the underlying cause of pain.
1. Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections, also known as steroid shots, are one of the most common and effective treatments for inflammation-based joint pain. These injections help reduce swelling and relieve pain caused by:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
They often provide quick relief, sometimes within 24–48 hours, and can last from weeks to several months. However, repeated use in the same joint should be limited to avoid potential side effects like cartilage damage or joint weakening.
2. Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Also called viscosupplementation, hyaluronic acid injections are typically used to treat knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in joint fluid that helps lubricate and cushion the joints. In patients with arthritis, this fluid breaks down over time.
Injecting synthetic hyaluronic acid can improve joint movement and reduce pain. While results may take longer than steroid injections to appear, they often provide longer-lasting relief and can be repeated safely over time.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP injections involve using a patient’s own blood, which is processed to concentrate the platelets and then injected into the joint. Platelets are rich in growth factors that can promote healing and reduce inflammation.
PRP therapy is commonly used for:
- Osteoarthritis
- Sports injuries
- Tendon or ligament issues
Because PRP uses natural components from the patient’s body, it is generally considered safe and has minimal side effects. It may take a few weeks to notice improvements, but the benefits can be long-lasting.
4. Facet Joint Injections
Facet joint injections are used to treat pain in the spine, particularly in the neck and lower back. These joints connect the vertebrae and can become inflamed due to arthritis or injury.
These injections often contain a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anesthetic, providing both immediate and lasting pain relief. Facet injections may also be used as a diagnostic tool to pinpoint the source of back pain.
5. Nerve Block Injections
While not injected directly into joints, nerve blocks are important in managing joint-related pain. These injections target specific nerves that transmit pain signals from the joints, reducing or eliminating discomfort.
They are especially helpful for chronic pain conditions or when other injection types have not been effective.
Who Can Benefit from Joint Injections?
Joint injections are ideal for patients who:
- Suffer from chronic joint pain
- Have not responded to oral medications or physical therapy
- Want to avoid or delay joint surgery
- Need relief from arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis
- Are seeking non-opioid alternatives for pain management
Before recommending an injection, your provider will perform a full evaluation, which may include imaging tests, lab work, and a review of your medical history.
Joint Injections for Pain Management in Fayetteville, NC
At Fayetteville Internal Medicine, our goal is to help you live a life with less pain and more mobility. We offer a full range of joint injections tailored to your specific condition and lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, injury, or inflammation, we’ll work with you to create a treatment plan that gets you moving again—safely and effectively.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about joint injections and how we can help you manage pain and restore function.
