Joint pain can affect everything from your daily comfort to your overall mobility. Whether caused by arthritis, an old injury, or inflammation, finding effective relief is essential. Many patients wonder whether joint pain injections or oral pain medications offer the best results, and the answer often depends on their unique health needs.
At Epic Medical, we provide family medicine, sports medicine, and physical therapy services in Pittsburgh, PA, specializing in safe, evidence-based treatments for chronic and acute joint pain. Our team of physicians and physical therapists helps patients find the most effective and lasting solutions for pain relief and mobility restoration.
In this blog, we’ll compare how injections and oral medications work, the pros and cons of each, and when one option might be better than the other for long-term joint health.
Understanding How Each Treatment Works
Both oral medications and joint pain injections aim to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but they do so in different ways.
How Oral Pain Medications Work
Oral medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen, work systemically. That means they travel through your bloodstream to reduce inflammation and pain throughout the body. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen block enzymes that trigger inflammation, helping relieve mild to moderate pain.
However, since oral medications affect your entire system, they may take longer to work and can sometimes irritate the stomach or impact other organs when used long-term.
How Joint Pain Injections Work
Joint pain injections deliver medication directly to the affected joint, targeting inflammation at its source. These injections often contain corticosteroids (steroids), which mimic natural hormones that reduce inflammation, or hyaluronic acid, which helps lubricate and cushion the joint.
So, what does a cortisone shot do? It acts quickly to reduce inflammation, swelling, and discomfort in conditions like arthritis or bursitis. Because the medication is placed precisely where it’s needed, injections can provide faster and more powerful relief than oral medication for localized joint pain.
At Epic Medical, our clinicians use image-guided techniques to ensure precision and comfort during every joint pain injection procedure.
Comparing Speed and Duration of Pain Relief
One of the biggest differences between the two treatments is how quickly they work and how long the relief lasts.
Oral Medications: Gradual Relief
NSAIDs and other oral pain medications typically take effect within 30 to 60 minutes. While they’re convenient and effective for mild or occasional pain, their effects often fade within hours. For chronic conditions like arthritis, daily or long-term use may be necessary, which can increase the risk of side effects.
Injections: Fast-Acting and Long-Lasting
Steroid or anti-inflammatory injections usually start relieving pain within a few days and can last anywhere from several weeks to several months. This makes injections a preferred choice for patients with chronic joint inflammation or those preparing for physical therapy.
Types of steroid injections, such as triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, or betamethasone, are carefully selected by your physician based on your specific condition and the joint being treated. While oral medications provide short-term relief, injections often offer longer-lasting results by addressing inflammation directly within the joint.
Weighing Potential Side Effects and Risks
Every treatment carries some risk, but understanding these differences helps you make an informed choice.
Side Effects of Oral Medications
Long-term or high-dose use of NSAIDs can lead to side effects like:
- Stomach irritation or ulcers
- Increased blood pressure
- Kidney strain or fluid retention
Because these medications circulate throughout the body, side effects can appear in areas unrelated to your pain source.
Side Effects of Injections
Steroid injections are generally safe when performed by trained providers, but mild steroid injection pain or temporary soreness at the injection site is common. Occasionally, patients may experience facial flushing or a brief rise in blood sugar levels.
Your physician will determine how often you can safely receive injections, typically every few months, to prevent potential joint tissue damage. At Epic Medical, we take every precaution to minimize discomfort and monitor your response carefully after each treatment.
When Joint Injections Are the Preferred Choice
Not every type of pain responds equally to oral medications. For many patients, joint injections offer targeted and longer-lasting relief, especially when pain is caused by localized inflammation or arthritis.
Injections are often recommended when:
- NSAIDs vs. steroid treatments no longer provide adequate relief.
- The pain is localized (e.g., knees, shoulders, hips, or spine).
- The goal is to reduce inflammation quickly to participate in physical therapy.
- Oral medications cause unwanted side effects.
Injections can also complement other therapies, including physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, helping patients regain strength and mobility more comfortably.
For patients with arthritis, injections such as anti-inflammatory injections or viscosupplementation (hyaluronic acid gel shots) can restore lubrication and joint function, reducing friction and stiffness.
Why Consulting a Pittsburgh Specialist Matters
Choosing between oral medications and injections isn’t just about symptom relief—it’s about addressing the underlying cause of your pain.
At Epic Medical, our specialists in family medicine, sports medicine, and physical therapy take a comprehensive approach. We evaluate each patient’s medical history, activity level, and treatment goals to create an individualized plan.
During your joint pain injection appointment, your provider will:
- Assess your pain source and joint condition using imaging or a physical exam.
- Explain all available treatment options, including medications and therapies.
- Perform the injection safely in the office, ensuring precision and comfort.
- Guide post-injection care and follow-up visits.
By integrating treatments like physical therapy, Epic Medical ensures that pain relief is not only immediate but also leads to long-term improvement.
Confident Choices for a More Comfortable Life
Deciding between joint injections and oral medications doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With expert support and individualized care, you can take control of your pain and return to the activities you love. At Epic Medical, we make treatment decisions simple and transparent. Our providers are dedicated to helping Pittsburgh patients find lasting relief through personalized care that includes family medicine, sports medicine, and physical therapy.
Ready to feel better? Reach out to Epic Medical at (412) 963-7350 or request your appointment online to begin personalized joint pain care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cortisone shot do?
It reduces inflammation inside the joint by mimicking natural hormones that control swelling and pain.
Is a steroid injection painful?
Most patients feel only mild pressure. Temporary soreness afterward is normal and fades within a day or two.
NSAID vs steroid: which works better?
NSAIDs relieve general inflammation, while steroid injections target pain directly at the joint. Your doctor will determine which is most effective for your condition.
Are there different types of steroid injections?
Yes. Common examples include triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, and betamethasone—each selected based on your specific needs.
When should I consider a joint pain injection?
If oral medications or physical therapy no longer provide relief, your provider may recommend a targeted injection for longer-lasting results.
