Peripheral Joint Injections

Peripheral joint injections deliver targeted anti-inflammatory medication directly into the intra-articular joint space—the area where bones meet and movement occurs. This precise delivery allows inflammation to calm at the source, helping reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain while improving joint function.

While these injections do not reverse joint disease, they play a crucial role in symptom control, activity restoration, and delaying or avoiding surgery when appropriate. Every treatment plan at Arkansas Spine & Pain is customized based on the patient’s condition, medical history, and functional goals.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Peripheral joint injections may be recommended when joint pain is caused by:

• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis
• Ligament or cartilage injuries
• Overuse and repetitive strain injuries
• Sports-related strains and sprains
• Post-traumatic joint pain
• Bursitis or synovitis
• Age-related wear and tear

These conditions commonly lead to stiffness, swelling, reduced range of motion, and progressive difficulty with daily activities.

Signs & Symptoms That May Improve With Injection Therapy

Patients often benefit from peripheral joint injections when experiencing:

• Pain with walking, bending, lifting, or twisting
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after prolonged sitting
• Joint swelling, warmth, or tenderness
• Grinding, clicking, or catching sensations
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that disrupts sleep
• Ongoing discomfort despite medications or physical therapy

Diagnosis & Evaluation

Before recommending a joint injection, the specialists at Arkansas Spine and Pain perform a thorough diagnostic evaluation, which may include:

• Detailed review of medical history and medications
• Physical examination assessing joint stability, mobility, swelling, and tenderness
• Imaging studies such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI when needed
• Review of previous treatments and outcomes
• Discussion of realistic treatment goals and expectations

How the Procedure Works

Peripheral joint injections are performed in-office using strict sterile technique and image guidance when indicated for accuracy and safety.

Step-by-Step Overview

1. Skin Preparation
   The skin over the joint is cleansed with a medical antiseptic.
2. Local Anesthesia
   A small amount of numbing medication is applied to improve comfort.
3. Precise Needle Placement
   A thin needle is carefully guided into the joint space.
   Fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound may be used for deeper joints such as the hip or shoulder.
4. Medication Injection
   A combination of corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) and local anesthetic (for immediate relief) is injected.

Treatment Areas

Peripheral joint injections may be performed in:

• Shoulders
• Knees
• Hips
• Elbows
• Ankles
• Smaller peripheral joints as clinically appropriate

The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and is well tolerated by most patients.

After the Injection: What to Expect

Temporary soreness after the numbing medication wears off is normal and may last 1–3 days. Steroid medication typically begins working within a few days.

Most patients experience:

• Initial relief within 2–5 days
• Continued improvement over 1–2 weeks
• Symptom relief lasting several weeks to several months, depending on the joint condition

Post-Procedure Care

• Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes as needed during the first 48–72 hours
• Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours
• Gradually return to normal daily activities as comfort improves
• Monitor blood sugar closely if diabetic
• Contact the center for fever, worsening redness, severe swelling, or unusual pain

If meaningful improvement is not achieved within 10 days, the injection may not be effective for that specific joint.