Steroid Joint Injections

A steroid injection includes both a corticosteroid (e.g., triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, dexamethasone) and an anesthetic numbing agent (e.g., lidocaine or bupivacaine). The drugs are delivered to the painful joint, inside the joint capsule. Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly into the painful area. The pain relief can last from days to years, allowing your condition to improve with physical therapy and an exercise program.

Injections can be made in the following areas:

• facet joints of the spine

• sacroiliac joint and coccyx

• hip joint

• shoulder, elbow, and hand

• knee, ankle and foot

Procedure

To begin, you lie on an x-ray table and a local anesthetic is used to numb the treatment area so discomfort is minimal throughout the procedure. You remain awake and aware during the procedure to provide feedback to the physician. The doctor then directs a hollow needle through the skin and into the region responsible for pain. Fluoroscopy allows the doctor to watch the needle in real-time on the fluoroscope monitor to ensure that the needle goes to the desired location Contrast may be injected to confirm correct needle location. Some discomfort occurs, but patients more commonly feel pressure than pain. Finally, when the needle is correctly positioned, the anesthetic and corticosteroid medications are injected into the joint capsule. The needle is then removed and the joint injection procedure is complete.

Steroid Joint Injections at Quantum Pain and Orthopedic

At Quantum, our mission is to treat the causes of your pain with the highest standards of care and quality. Our experienced team of orthopedic physicians will help determine the underlying cause of your pain, and devise a treatment plan that’s right for you so that you can get back to the joys of life in no time. Plus, we have several locations throughout the San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock and the Valley region at McAllen and Brownsville for your convenience. To schedule an appointment, please call (210) 817-6010 now.