Joint Injections

Joint injections involve administering medications into the joints, such as the knees, hips, and shoulders, to alleviate pain. These injections typically contain corticosteroids or other substances like hyaluronic acid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), or placental tissue matrix (PTM) to reduce inflammation and promote pain relief. Corticosteroids are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory properties, while hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant and shock absorber in joints like the knee. PRP injections utilize the patient’s own blood to stimulate natural healing, and PTM injections use placental tissue to decrease inflammation and promote healing. Joint injections can treat various conditions, including osteoarthritis, injury, stress from poor mechanics, tendonitis, and degenerative arthritis​​.

The procedure for joint injections usually takes 30 minutes to an hour, including recovery and observation time. It typically involves X-ray imaging for guidance, medication for relaxation, and a topical anesthetic applied to the injection site. Although complications are uncommon, possible risks include infection, bleeding, and swelling at the injection site. After the injection, patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a day. Pain relief varies, with some people experiencing relief within a week and others over a longer duration. The relief can last several months, depending on individual factors and the type of injection used​​​​​​. If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, consider exploring joint injection treatment at Alta Pain Physicians in Sandy, UT.