What Is Joint Injections?
Joint injections deliver therapeutic medication directly into the joint space, where it can work most effectively at the source of pain and inflammation. Dr. Qureshi performs joint injections under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate needle placement and maximum efficacy — a critical distinction from unguided injections. Options include corticosteroid injections (for rapid anti-inflammatory relief), hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation (for joint lubrication in knee osteoarthritis), and PRP (for regenerative benefit).
Conditions Treated
- Knee osteoarthritis — the most common indication
- Hip osteoarthritis and bursitis
- Shoulder arthritis, impingement, and bursitis
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Ankle arthritis
- Acromioclavicular (AC) joint arthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis flares (rheumatoid, psoriatic)
- Post-traumatic joint pain
How It Works
Image-guided joint injection involves advancing a small needle into the joint space under real-time fluoroscopic or ultrasound visualization, confirming intra-articular placement with contrast or saline, and then delivering the therapeutic agent. The entire procedure takes 10–15 minutes. The corticosteroid reduces intra-articular inflammation significantly within 3–5 days; hyaluronic acid supplements the natural joint fluid to improve lubrication and shock absorption over several weeks.
Benefits
- Rapid pain relief (3–5 days for corticosteroid)
- Improved joint function and range of motion
- Reduced need for oral anti-inflammatory medications
- Allows more effective participation in physical therapy
- Can delay joint replacement in appropriate candidates
- Minimal downtime — resume normal activity within 24–48 hours
Risks & Side Effects
- Temporary pain flare 24–48 hours after injection ("steroid flare")
- Temporary blood sugar elevation in diabetics
- Cartilage thinning with too-frequent corticosteroid use (reason to space injections 3+ months apart)
- Very rare risk of infection or bleeding