Joint Pain Injections
Injectable treatments for chronic joint pain relief.
Joint injections deliver medication directly into an affected joint, often providing more targeted and effective relief than oral medication alone for certain types of joint pain. Several different types of injections are used depending on the underlying condition, each working through a different mechanism to reduce pain and inflammation.
Types
Corticosteroid Injections
Deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint, commonly used for arthritis flares.
Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation) Injections
Aim to supplement the joint's natural lubricating fluid, sometimes used in knee osteoarthritis.
PRP Injections
Use the patient's own concentrated platelets, discussed in more detail separately.
Local Anaesthetic Injections
Used both for pain relief and to help confirm which joint is the source of a patient's symptoms.
Common Causes
Joint injections are considered when oral medication and physiotherapy alone have not adequately controlled pain in a specific joint.
- Osteoarthritis flares causing significant pain despite oral medication.
- Inflammatory arthritis affecting a single joint disproportionately.
- Diagnostic uncertainty, where an injection helps confirm the source of pain.
- A wish to delay or avoid surgery while managing symptoms effectively.
- Localised joint pain not responding adequately to conservative measures alone.
Signs and Symptoms
- Persistent joint pain despite oral medication and physiotherapy
- Pain flares significantly limiting daily activity
- Joint swelling that has not settled with rest and standard treatment
- Pain localised clearly enough to a specific joint to make targeted injection appropriate
Diagnosis
The decision to use a joint injection, and which type, is based on the specific diagnosis already established through clinical examination and imaging, alongside how the joint has responded to treatment so far.
Treatment Approach
Injections are generally given directly into the joint under sterile conditions, sometimes guided by ultrasound for greater accuracy. Relief duration varies by injection type and the underlying condition, and injections are typically used as one part of an overall management plan rather than a standalone solution. Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna selects the most appropriate type of injection based on the specific joint and condition being treated.
Please note: This page is for general information only and does not replace a proper medical evaluation. Every case is different, and the underlying cause of your symptoms may not match what is described here. Please do not use this page to self-diagnose - consult Dr. K. G. Gopalakrishna or another qualified orthopaedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis specific to you.
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Last reviewed: August 2026