Joint pain can make walking, climbing stairs and everyday activities uncomfortable. At Metro Healthcare Partners, we offer corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections for appropriate patients following a clinical evaluation.
Joint Injection FAQs
What is the difference between a cortisone shot and a knee gel injection?
A cortisone shot uses corticosteroid medication to reduce inflammation. A knee gel injection uses hyaluronic acid and may be considered for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis. The choice depends on your diagnosis, previous treatment and individual circumstances.
Will the injection hurt?
You may feel a brief sting or pressure during the procedure. Temporary soreness can follow. Your clinician will explain what to expect and whether local anesthetic is appropriate.
How quickly will I feel better?
Steroid injections generally take a few days to begin working. Knee gel injections may take several weeks. Some people experience little or no benefit, so follow-up is important.
How long will the pain relief last?
Relief varies between patients and treatments. It may last weeks or months, but it is not permanent or guaranteed. We will review your response before recommending further treatment.
How many injections will I need?
That depends on the treatment. MONOVISC is a single injection, while ORTHOVISC usually involves three or four weekly injections. Decisions about repeat corticosteroid treatment require an individual assessment.
Can I have a steroid injection if I have diabetes?
Possibly, but steroid injections can temporarily raise blood sugar. Tell your clinician about your diabetes and current treatment so they can assess suitability and discuss monitoring.
Should I stop taking blood thinners before my appointment?
Do not stop blood thinners or other prescribed medicines on your own. Tell the clinic what you take so your treating clinician can give appropriate instructions.
Can I drive or return to work afterwards?
This depends on the joint treated, discomfort, the procedure and your work duties. Ask for individual advice and arrange transport if recommended. You should be able to control your vehicle safely before driving.
Can joint injections help me avoid knee replacement?
An injection may help manage symptoms in some patients, but it cannot reliably prevent the need for joint replacement. If symptoms remain severe, your clinician may discuss other options.
What happens if the injection does not help?
We will reassess your symptoms, diagnosis and response. Further investigation, rehabilitation, a different treatment or specialist review may be appropriate.
Will my insurance cover the injection?
Coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, recommended product and any authorization requirements. Contact our team before treatment to discuss verification and possible out-of-pocket costs.
Treatment Options for Persistent Joint Pain
Joint pain can have several causes, and the right treatment starts with understanding what is affecting your joint. Your symptoms, examination findings, medical history and previous treatments help us assess whether an injection is appropriate. Corticosteroid injections target inflammation. Hyaluronic acid injections, sometimes called knee gel injections, may be considered for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis. Injections do not cure arthritis or rebuild damaged cartilage. They may help manage symptoms as part of a wider plan that includes exercise, rehabilitation and other appropriate care.
Our orthopedic team can evaluate persistent joint pain and discuss the available treatment options.
Could a Joint Injection Be Right for You?
An injection may be considered when joint pain or inflammation continues to affect your daily activities despite appropriate initial treatment.
During your consultation, we will discuss:
- Where you feel pain and how long it has been present.
- Stiffness, swelling and changes in movement.
- Previous treatment, including exercise, physical therapy and medication.
- Existing medical conditions, allergies and current medicines.
- What you hope to achieve from treatment.
Not all joint pain responds to an injection. Further investigation or another treatment may be more appropriate, depending on the cause of your symptoms. Tell us if you have diabetes, an infection, a bleeding condition, a previous reaction to an injection or plans for joint surgery. Do not stop prescribed medication unless your prescribing clinician advises you to do so.
Types of Joint Injections We Offer
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections, also called cortisone or steroid injections, deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the affected area. They may help reduce pain and swelling when inflammation contributes to your symptoms. The steroid generally takes a few days to begin working. If local anesthetic is used, it may provide earlier, temporary relief before the steroid takes effect. The amount and duration of relief vary. Some patients improve for weeks or months, while others experience limited benefit. Repeat injections require an individual assessment of the potential benefits and risks.
Hyaluronic Acid Knee Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections place a gel-like substance into the knee joint. They may be considered for selected patients with knee osteoarthritis when other appropriate treatments have not provided enough relief.
These injections do not work for everyone, and improvement may take several weeks. They do not reverse arthritis or replace damaged cartilage.
MONOVISC® and ORTHOVISC® Knee Injections
MONOVISC and ORTHOVISC are hyaluronic acid products used to treat pain associated with knee osteoarthritis in appropriate patients.
MONOVISC
MONOVISC is administered as a single injection into the knee. Suitability depends on your diagnosis, previous treatment and clinical assessment.
ORTHOVISC
ORTHOVISC is administered as a series of three or four injections, usually about one week apart. Your clinician will explain the recommended course.
Choosing Between Treatment Options
The number of appointments is only one consideration. Your symptoms, medical history, previous response to treatment and insurance requirements may also influence the recommendation.
With the expertise of our skilled clinicians, who have been working with this viscosupplementation injection for over ten years, viable candidates are selected for this in-office procedure. They will then work with the patient to determine the number of injections needed to provide relief from pain. After the treatment, patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for about 48 hours. These injections provide pain relief and improve functionality without the need for additional medications. Studies continue to demonstrate the long-term pain-free effectiveness of this injection. It has been shown to delay joint replacement surgery.
