Joint injections are treatments used to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip or elbow.

Overview

What are joint injections?

Joint injections are treatments used to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness in joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip or elbow.

The two common types are:

• Steroid injections: Reduce inflammation and pain quickly
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections: Use a person’s own blood to support healing and tissue repair

These injections are commonly used for arthritis, sports injuries and tendon problems.

Common conditions leading to the surgery

• Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
• Tendon injuries
• Frozen shoulder
• Tennis elbow
• Knee pain due to cartilage damage
• Joint inflammation or swelling

When is surgery required?

Surgery may be considered when:

• Joint damage is severe
• Pain does not improve with injections or medicines
• Walking or movement becomes very difficult
• Joint function is badly affected

Examples include knee replacement or shoulder surgery.

Procedure Details

What is the procedure and why is it done?

Joint injections help reduce pain and improve movement.

• Steroid injections lower inflammation quickly
• PRP injections may help healing by using growth factors from the patient’s blood

Doctors may recommend injections when pain affects daily life and other treatments have not helped enough.

Before the Procedure

Key instructions

• Inform the doctor about allergies or blood-thinning medicines
• Tell the doctor if you have diabetes or infection
• Wear comfortable clothing

Preparation guidelines

• Usually, no fasting is needed
• Some medicines may need temporary adjustment
• PRP injections require a small blood sample before the procedure

Procedure Overview

Step-by-step (simplified)

• The skin is cleaned carefully
• Local anaesthesia or numbing spray may be used to reduce discomfort
• The medicine or PRP is injected into the joint using a needle
• Ultrasound guidance may sometimes be used for accuracy

The procedure usually takes around 15–30 minutes.

Risks and Complications

Common risks include:

Benefits and Expected Outcomes

Success rates

• Many patients experience pain relief and better movement
• Steroid injections often provide faster relief
• PRP may provide longer-lasting improvement in some patients with mild-to-moderate arthritis

How the procedure improves quality of life

• Easier walking and movement
• Reduced pain during daily activities
• Better sleep and comfort

During hospital stay

• Usually done as a day-care procedure
• Patients are monitored briefly after injection
• Most people go home the same day

Recovery, Lifestyle and Follow-up

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery timeline

• Mild soreness may last 1–2 days
• Steroid injections may work within a few days
• PRP improvement may take several weeks

Activity restrictions

• Avoid heavy exercise for 1–2 days
• Gradually return to normal activities

Precautions

• Keep the injection area clean
• Avoid rubbing or massaging the area

Lifestyle and Prevention

Recommended

Long-term care

Preventing recurrence

When to Contact a Doctor

Seek medical help if there is:

• Fever or chills
• Severe swelling or redness
• Increasing pain
• Difficulty moving the joint
• Persistent numbness

Follow-up schedule

A follow-up visit is usually scheduled within a few weeks after the injection to assess pain relief, joint movement and recovery progress.

Myths and Facts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)