Who Is a Good Candidate for a Joint Injection?

You may benefit from a joint injection if you experience:

• Persistent joint pain or stiffness
• Inflammation due to arthritis or injury
• Limited mobility affecting daily activities

The OPS Surgery Center team of orthopedic pain management specialists will:

• Review your medical history and imaging
• Perform a problem-focused physical exam
• Create a customized treatment plan based on your diagnosis

If joint pain is limiting your movement or quality of life, a joint injection may provide the relief you need.

Types of Joint Injections

Corticosteroid Injections (Traditional Treatment)

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. They are typically mixed with a local anesthetic for immediate relief.

Potential Risks of Steroid Injections:

• Cartilage damage over time
• Joint infection (rare)
• Increased blood sugar levels
• Weakening or rupture of nearby tendons
• Osteoporosis, skin discoloration, or weight gain

Regenerative Medicine Therapy (PRP & Stem Cell Injections)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy use the body's own healing properties to reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and relieve pain.

Benefits of Regenerative Medicine Injections:

• Supports natural healing rather than just masking pain
• Reduces inflammation without the risks of steroids
• Potential to repair joint damage for long-term relief

If you're looking for a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment for joint pain, regenerative medicine therapy may be an option.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Before the Procedure

• If you choose sedation, avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before treatment and arrange for someone to drive you home.
• You may need to pause certain medications (such as blood thinners) several days before your procedure.

During the Procedure

• The injection site will be sterilized and numbed with local anesthesia.
• Using image guidance, the doctor will insert the needle into the affected joint.
• The medication is administered, and the needle is carefully removed.
• A small bandage is applied, and you will receive post-procedure instructions.

Pain Relief Timeline

• Steroid injections typically work very quickly, but relief duration depends on the severity of arthritis or inflammation.
• Regenerative medicine treatments have a slower onset (4–8 weeks) but offer longer-lasting benefits, with the potential to repair joint damage rather than just reducing symptoms.

The effectiveness of the injection depends on the extent of joint damage, inflammation, and individual healing response. Some patients experience complete relief, while others may require subsequent injections for maximum benefit.

This outpatient injection procedure relieves hip, leg or buttock pain caused by arthritis or other damage to the hip joint.

This outpatient injection procedure relieves pain in the shoulder and arm caused by arthritis, injury or disorder.

Find Joint Pain Relief at OPS Surgery Center

At OPS Surgery Center, we offer advanced, evidence-based joint injection treatments to help patients restore mobility and reduce pain without the need for surgery.

If joint pain is interfering with your daily life, schedule an appointment to explore your treatment options.