Types of Joint Injections
Corticosteroid injections deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint. By reducing synovial inflammation, they provide significant pain relief and improved mobility — often within days. Corticosteroid injections are particularly effective for osteoarthritis flares, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and inflammatory tendinopathy. Relief typically lasts weeks to several months.
Viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid injections) is used primarily for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid — a naturally occurring component of healthy joint fluid — lubricates the joint, reduces friction, and may have direct anti-inflammatory effects. It is an excellent option when corticosteroids are insufficient or contraindicated. A course typically consists of 1–3 weekly injections.
Local anesthetic injections are used diagnostically — to confirm the source of pain — and therapeutically in combination with corticosteroids.
Joints We Treat
- Knee — osteoarthritis, meniscal irritation, prepatellar bursitis
- Shoulder — glenohumeral arthritis, subacromial bursitis, AC joint pain
- Hip — osteoarthritis, trochanteric bursitis, labral pathology
- Ankle and foot — ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, subtalar joint
- Elbow — lateral and medial epicondylitis, olecranon bursitis
- Wrist and hand — carpal tunnel, trigger finger, de Quervain's
- Facet joints (spine) — lumbar and cervical facet arthropathy
What to Expect
Joint injections are performed in the clinic and take only a few minutes. The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic applied before the injection to minimize discomfort. The needle is guided to the target joint space. Most patients experience minimal procedural discomfort. There may be mild soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours before the medication takes full effect.
Joint injections work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes therapeutic exercise to address underlying muscle imbalances and maintain long-term joint health. Dr. Lichtblau coordinates injection therapy with your rehabilitation program for optimal outcomes.
