Joint and Bursa Injections

An adult over age 45 often experiences arthralgia or joint pain. Many types of injuries or conditions can cause joint pain. For example, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, and osteoarthritis involves the growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at the joint, causing severe pain. An injection of corticosteroid medication is often prescribed to help relieve the pain caused by different types of arthritis, or it can be prescribed after an injury or surgery.

Corticosteroid medications imitate the effects of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone, which are produced by your adrenal glands. Corticosteroids can be injected into affected joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, or knee, and can relieve pain for 4 to 6 months.