Joint pain is one of the most common health concerns among adults, especially as we age or stay active in sports. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in four U.S. adults, over 58 million people, live with arthritis or chronic joint pain. Fortunately, modern medicine offers effective, non-surgical treatments to manage this discomfort, including joint injections.
At Epic Medical, we provide family medicine, sports medicine, and physical therapy services in Pittsburgh, PA, helping patients find lasting relief from conditions like arthritis, tendon injuries, and joint inflammation. Our team delivers safe and personalized joint injection treatments designed to restore movement and improve quality of life.
If you’re struggling with knee, shoulder, or hip pain that limits your daily activities, this guide will explain everything Pittsburgh patients should know about joint pain injections and how they can help you return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Understanding Joint Pain Injections and How They Work
Joint pain injections are minimally invasive treatments that deliver medication directly into the joint to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function. They are typically used when oral medications, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough relief.
These injections target the source of pain instead of masking it, making them more precise than traditional painkillers. Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may recommend one or more types of injections to address inflammation, joint stiffness, or tissue damage.
At Epic Medical, our team uses advanced image-guided techniques to ensure accuracy and patient comfort during each procedure.
Conditions That Benefit from Joint Injections
Joint pain injections are commonly used to treat both acute injuries and chronic conditions. Some of the most frequent reasons Pittsburgh patients seek these treatments include:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis – to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
- Sports injuries – such as sprains, ligament tears, or repetitive strain injuries.
- Bursitis and tendinitis – inflammation of tissues around joints like the shoulder or elbow.
- Degenerative joint disease – particularly in the knees, hips, or spine.
- SI joint dysfunction – inflammation or misalignment in the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvis.
If you’ve ever wondered, “What is an SI joint injection?” It’s a type of targeted treatment that delivers medication into the sacroiliac joint to reduce lower back and hip pain.
The Procedure: What to Expect Before, During, and After
Before your treatment, your provider will review your medical history, current medications, and imaging results to determine the best injection type and location. The process typically includes:
Before the Injection:
You’ll be advised to avoid blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications for a few days before the procedure.
During the Injection:
The area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the affected joint and administers the medication. The entire procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes and is performed in the office.
After the Injection:
You may experience mild soreness or stiffness for one to two days. Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours. It may take several days for the full pain-relieving effects to appear, especially with corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections.
At Epic Medical, joint injections are often paired with physical therapy to enhance long-term results and restore strength, flexibility, and movement.
Types and Names of Injections for Arthritis
When it comes to arthritis and chronic joint conditions, not all injections are the same. Understanding your options can help you make an informed decision about your care.
1. Corticosteroid Injections (Cortisone Shots)
Corticosteroid injections, often referred to as cortisone shots, are among the most common treatments for arthritis pain. These injections work by reducing inflammation inside the joint. So, what does a cortisone shot do? It mimics the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormones, easing pain and swelling caused by arthritis or injury.
They provide rapid relief, often within a few days, though effects may last for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition. Many patients ask, How often can you have a cortisone injection? Typically, doctors recommend no more than three to four times per year in the same joint to prevent tissue damage.
2. Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as gel shots, replace the natural joint fluid that cushions and lubricates your joints. These are particularly helpful for knee osteoarthritis, where joint fluid becomes thin or deteriorates. Relief can last from six months to a year, depending on individual response.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP injections use a patient’s own blood plasma enriched with platelets to stimulate healing. This regenerative therapy promotes tissue repair and reduces inflammation without synthetic drugs. It’s gaining popularity for patients who prefer a more natural approach to pain management.
4. Prolotherapy (Regenerative Injection Therapy)
Prolotherapy involves injecting a sugar-water (dextrose) solution to irritate the affected area gently, triggering the body’s healing response. Over time, this strengthens tendons and ligaments that support the joint, making it beneficial for chronic pain from instability.
5. Trigger Point Injections
Trigger point therapy targets painful knots in muscles that contribute to joint or nerve pain. At Epic Medical, these injections often combine a local anesthetic and anti-inflammatory medication, providing quick relief for muscle-related joint pain.
When combined with physical therapy and sports medicine, these treatments form a comprehensive approach to joint care that addresses both the symptom and its root cause.
Benefits of Joint Injections Compared to Other Treatments
While medications or braces can help, joint injections provide unique benefits for patients with moderate to severe pain.
- Targeted Relief – Medication is delivered precisely where it’s needed.
- Minimally Invasive – No incisions or long recovery times.
- Quick Procedure – Completed in under 30 minutes, often with same-day results.
- Improved Mobility –Patients often experience easier movement and a better range of motion.
- Complementary Care – Works well alongside physical therapy or concierge medicine for complete pain management.
At Epic Medical, our physicians customize each treatment plan to help patients safely return to their daily activities, whether that’s walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply living more comfortably.
Why Pittsburgh Patients Choose Joint Injections for Relief
Pittsburgh residents lead active lives, whether it’s long workdays, outdoor recreation, or caring for family. For those with arthritis or injury-related pain, joint injections offer a practical, evidence-based way to get back to what matters most.
At Epic Medical, we treat patients like family. Our family physicians, sports medicine specialists, and physical therapists work together to create comprehensive care plans. We’re proud to serve Pittsburgh and nearby communities with insurance-friendly and concierge options, giving every patient access to expert-level care in a supportive environment.
Your Path to Pain-Free Movement Starts Here
Joint pain doesn’t have to limit your life. Whether your pain comes from arthritis, an old injury, or overuse, Epic Medical in Pittsburgh offers safe and effective joint injection options to help you move freely again. Our team of family physicians and physical therapists delivers personalized care in family medicine, sports medicine, and concierge medicine, all focused on improving your quality of life.
Ready to find lasting relief from joint pain? Call (412) 963-7350 or book your appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cortisone shot do?
It reduces inflammation and pain inside the joint by delivering corticosteroids directly where they’re needed.
How often can you have a cortisone injection?
Usually, every 3–6 months, depending on your provider’s recommendation.
What is an SI joint injection?
It targets the sacroiliac joint to relieve pain in the lower back or buttocks.
What is the best painkiller injection?
Corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections are most effective for short-term relief, while PRP offers long-term benefits.
Are joint injections safe?
Yes. When performed by trained providers, side effects are minimal and temporary, such as mild soreness or swelling.
