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If joint pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, you know how frustrating it can be when simple movements become difficult or painful. Whether it's knee pain that makes climbing stairs a challenge, shoulder discomfort that limits your golf swing, or hip arthritis that affects your daily walks, joint pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Joint injections offer targeted relief by delivering medication directly to the affected area, reducing inflammation and pain where you need it most.
Denver Arthritis Clinic has been providing expert joint injection services since 1976, helping patients throughout the Denver metro area find relief from arthritis and joint pain. Our board-certified rheumatologists have extensive experience with all types of joint injections, from corticosteroid injections for quick inflammation relief to viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis. We use advanced techniques, including ultrasound guidance when needed, to ensure accurate placement and optimal results. Whether you're dealing with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or other inflammatory conditions affecting your joints, our team will work with you to determine the best injection approach for your specific situation.
Don't let joint pain limit your life. Schedule an appointment with Denver Arthritis Clinic to discuss whether joint injections could provide the relief you need. Our experienced team is ready to help you get back to the activities you love.
Joint injections are a versatile treatment option that can provide relief for various types of joint pain and arthritis. At Denver Arthritis Clinic, we offer several injection types, each designed to address specific conditions and symptoms.
Corticosteroid (cortisone) injections are among the most common joint injections we provide. These powerful anti-inflammatory medications work quickly to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness in affected joints. During the injection procedure, your physician will clean the injection site and may apply a numbing spray to minimize discomfort. The corticosteroid medication is then injected directly into the joint space or surrounding tissue. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure, which takes just a few minutes.
Conditions commonly treated with corticosteroid injections include:
You may notice some temporary soreness at the injection site for a day or two, but significant pain relief often begins within a few days as inflammation decreases. Benefits typically last several weeks to months, depending on your individual condition.
Viscosupplementation is a specialized treatment specifically for knee osteoarthritis. This procedure involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally occurs in healthy joint fluid, directly into the knee joint. The medication acts as a lubricant and shock absorber, helping the knee move more smoothly and reducing pain. The treatment typically involves a series of injections given weekly over three to five weeks, though some formulations require only one or two injections. Many patients experience gradual improvement in knee pain and function over the weeks following treatment, with benefits potentially lasting six months or longer.
Benefits of viscosupplementation include:
Viscosupplementation can be repeated when symptoms return, typically after six to twelve months, making it a valuable tool for managing knee osteoarthritis over time.
For certain joints or when anatomy makes accurate needle placement challenging, Denver Arthritis Clinic offers ultrasound-guided injections. This advanced technique uses real-time ultrasound imaging to visualize the joint and guide the needle to the exact location where medication is needed. Ultrasound guidance is particularly helpful for deeper joints like the hip, small joints in the hands and feet, or when previous injections haven't provided expected relief. While not every injection requires ultrasound guidance, your rheumatologist will determine when this technique would be beneficial for your specific situation.
Advantages of ultrasound-guided injections include:
The procedure itself is similar to a standard injection, with the added benefit of real-time imaging to ensure the medication reaches exactly where it's needed.
Relief duration varies by injection type and individual condition. Corticosteroid injections typically provide relief for several weeks to a few months. Viscosupplementation may offer relief for six months or longer. Factors affecting duration include arthritis severity, which joint is treated, your overall health, and activity level.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. The injection itself takes just seconds, and while you may feel brief pressure, pain is usually mild. We can use a numbing spray or local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Some temporary soreness at the injection site for a day or two is normal.
For corticosteroid injections, most physicians recommend limiting injections in the same joint to three to four per year to minimize potential side effects. Viscosupplementation series can be repeated when symptoms return, often after six to twelve months. Your rheumatologist will create an appropriate schedule for your situation.
Avoid strenuous activity with the injected joint for 24-48 hours to allow the medication to settle. You can apply ice to the injection site if you experience soreness. Normal daily activities are generally fine, and gentle range of motion exercises can begin the day after an injection. Contact your doctor if you experience increasing pain, redness, warmth, or fever.