Our Services / Joint Injections

When you have joint pain that doesn't improve with conventional treatments, a joint injection may give you the relief you need. Jacob Katz, MD, at the Katz Medical Group specializes in joint injections containing a range of treatments. In addition to easing pain, some injections improve joint mobility and accelerate healing. To learn if you're a good candidate for a joint injection, call our office, or book an appointment online today.

When would I need a joint injection?

Joint injections decrease inflammation, improve movement, and alleviate the pain caused by many problems. A few of the health conditions that may improve with a joint injection include:

• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sciatica
• Gout
• Cubital tunnel syndrome
• Facet joint syndrome
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Dr. Katz can target any joint that needs a pain-relieving injection. He uses state-of-the-art ultrasound guidance to help guide the needle to the desired location to improve accuracy and decrease pain. 

How do joint injections ease pain?

Your joint injection may contain one of several treatments and each one has a different way of working:

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids, or more simply steroids, are potent anti-inflammatory agents. They typically need 2-7 days to take effect but often provide long-lasting pain relief.

Local anesthetics

Your joint injection may contain a local anesthetic, either alone or combined with steroids. The anesthetic gives you immediate but short-lived pain relief.

Hyaluronic acid

People with arthritis may benefit from an injection containing hyaluronic acid. Your joints naturally produce hyaluronic acid, a thick fluid that lubricates joint movement and absorbs shock.

A hyaluronic acid injection reduces pain and makes it easier to move your joint. This treatment may also slow down the joint damage caused by arthritis. These injections are also known as rooster comb shots or gel shots. 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

PRP contains concentrated platelets that come from a sample of your own blood. After Dr. Katz injects PRP into your joint, the platelets release growth factors. Then the growth factors reduce inflammation, stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, and trigger new blood vessel growth.

What should I expect during a joint injection?

Dr. Katz prepares the injection site by disinfecting the area and applying a local anesthetic. When performing the injection, he uses ultrasound imaging to see the joint and guide the needle to the target area.

Most people can return to their normal activities after leaving the office. However, you may have some soreness at the injection site and prefer to take it easy for the rest of the day.

If you have a PRP injection, Dr. Katz may ask you to avoid intense activities for a short time. This gives the PRP time to begin healing without added stress on the joint.

To learn if a joint injection can relieve your pain, call the Katz Medical Group or book an appointment online today.