Specialty Procedures
/Elbow • Hip • Shoulder • Wrist • Hand • Knee • Foot/Ankle

Injections

Joint and soft-tissue injections can be used as part of nonsurgical treatment for certain orthopaedic conditions. Depending on the medication and condition being treated, injections may help decrease pain and inflammation or improve joint movement and function.

North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists may use injections to treat conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, hip, knee, foot and ankle. Two commonly used options are corticosteroid injections and viscosupplementation. These treatments work differently and may not be appropriate for every condition or patient.

Who Needs It

Corticosteroid injections may be considered when inflammation contributes to pain from conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and certain tendon or soft-tissue disorders. They are commonly used in areas such as the shoulder, hip and knee but can also be used elsewhere when clinically appropriate.

Viscosupplementation is primarily used for knee osteoarthritis. It involves injecting hyaluronic acid or a similar substance into the knee joint and may be considered for some patients whose arthritis symptoms have not responded adequately to other nonsurgical treatments.

The decision to recommend an injection depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, previous treatments and individual health considerations.

How Does It Work

A corticosteroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into or around the affected area. The goal is to reduce inflammation and provide temporary symptom relief, which may make movement, exercise or physical therapy more comfortable.

Viscosupplementation introduces a gel-like substance similar to naturally occurring hyaluronic acid into an arthritic knee joint. Some patients experience reduced pain and improved function, although responses vary.

Depending on the treatment site, ultrasound guidance may be used to visualize the joint or surrounding structures and help place the medication accurately.

Recovery

Most injections are performed in an outpatient setting with little downtime. Temporary soreness at the injection site can occur, and patients may be advised to limit strenuous activity for a short period afterward.

The timing and degree of symptom relief vary by injection type and individual response. Injections generally do not correct the underlying structural cause of arthritis or other orthopaedic conditions, but they may be one component of a broader treatment plan that includes activity modification, medication, rehabilitation or, when appropriate, surgery.