Joint Pain Injections
Also known as: as intra-articular injections
Joint pain injections involve injecting medication directly into a joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
What is joint injection therapy?
Joint injection therapy is a medical treatment that involves injecting medication directly into a joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. This therapy is commonly used to treat various types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. Joint injections can be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy, oral medications, and lifestyle changes, to provide effective pain relief and improve overall joint health.
Joint injection therapy uses corticosteroid medication, hyaluronic acid or platelet rich plasma to help relieve pain, stiffness and swelling by reducing inflammation.
Joint injections are utilised to address a range of conditions, including arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. The injections are typically administered by a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, licensed physiotherapist or nurse practitioner.
Benefits of joint injections
Joint injections offer several benefits, including:
- Quick and effective pain relief: Joint injections can provide rapid relief from pain and inflammation, allowing patients to resume their normal activities.
- Reduced inflammation: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in the joint, which can help to slow down the progression of arthritis.
- Improved mobility: Joint injections can help to improve joint mobility and reduce stiffness, making it easier to perform daily activities.
- Minimally invasive: Joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure, and they do not require surgery or hospitalisation.
Types of joint injections
There are several types of joint injections, including:
- Corticosteroid injections: These injections contain a steroid medication, such as hydrocortisone, which can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
- Hyaluronic acid injections: These injections contain a natural substance called hyaluronic acid, which can help to lubricate the joint and reduce pain.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: These injections contain a concentrated solution of platelets, which can help to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Hospital fee guide price: £1,182
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
Before treatment
Initially, you will be scheduled for an ‘injection consultation’ appointment, during which a comprehensive medical history will be gathered to determine your eligibility for an injection and identify the most suitable option for you.
If deemed appropriate, the practitioner will discuss the advantages and applications of corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and PRP injections, allowing for an informed decision.
The injection can be administered during this first appointment, provided you can refrain from regular activities for 48-72 hours post-injection, are not currently on antibiotics, are in good general health, and have someone available to drive you home if necessary.
If you are taking warfarin, additional guidance and possibly tests may be required before proceeding. You do not need a referral for an injection appointment, as many people self-refer. However, if referred by another medical professional, an assessment will still be conducted to ensure the injection is appropriate and indicated.
Before your joint injection appointment, it’s essential to bring a list of your current prescribed medications. If you’re taking warfarin or any anticoagulant medication, ensure you have your INR book with you. It’s recommended to have an INR test conducted less than two weeks before your appointment and a repeat test about a week after.
In case you feel unwell on the day of the appointment, it’s advisable to reschedule the injection for a time when you’re feeling better and have completed any antibiotics you might be taking.
During treatment
The joint injection procedure typically involves several key steps. First, the patient is prepared by cleaning and disinfecting the skin around the affected joint to ensure a sterile environment.
Next, the medication is administered directly into the joint using a needle and syringe. After the administration, the patient is monitored for any adverse reactions or side effects that may occur.
After the procedure, a follow-up appointment will be arranged to evaluate the success of the treatment and decide if further injections are needed.
It’s important to note that joint injections are usually performed in a clinic or office setting, making the procedure quick and relatively painless. While some patients may experience mild side effects such as pain or swelling at the injection site, these can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
After treatment
After your joint injection appointment, it’s advisable to have someone drive you home in case you feel unwell. You’ll receive a patient information leaflet summarising what was discussed and performed during your visit, along with potential side effects to monitor.
Guidance on activity levels post-injection will also be provided, with research suggesting that resting the area for the first 72 hours and avoiding intense activity for two weeks enhances the injection’s effectiveness.
Before leaving the clinic, allow 15 minutes to ensure you feel well enough to travel home; during this time, you can enjoy a drink and a biscuit while catching up on the news.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled two to three weeks after the injection to reassess your pain, provide further rehabilitation and recovery guidance, and discuss potential next treatment options.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Appointment
Whether you are self-referring, or have been referred by a GP, an appointment will be arranged between you and a healthcare professional.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you will review your medical history, discuss the details of procedure, and collaboratively decide if this procedure is a suitable option for you.
Procedure
Prior to going through with the injection, our team will ensure that you’re prepped once again. If everything is confirmed, you’ll undergo the procedure and then we’ll explain the aftercare instructions.
Aftercare
If necessary, you’ll stay in the hospital for around 15 minutes to ensure that you’re ready to go home after the procedure.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment
We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.
Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.
Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.
Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.
Pay in Advance
Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.
We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.
We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.
Pay monthly
Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.
Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.
A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.
Pay using PMI
We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.
Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.
Hospital fee guide price: £1,182
Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included
FAQs
Joint injections involve administering medication directly into a joint to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. They are commonly used to treat conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
There are three main types of joint injections:
- Corticosteroid injections – reduce inflammation and pain
- Hyaluronic acid injections – lubricate the joint and relieve discomfort
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections – promote healing and reduce inflammation
Many patients experience rapid pain relief, improved mobility, and reduced inflammation after a joint injection. However, the effectiveness may vary, and additional treatments like physiotherapy may be recommended for long-term benefits.
While generally safe, possible side effects include temporary pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. Overuse of steroid injections may lead to cartilage deterioration and should be done cautiously under medical supervision.
Doctors usually recommend limiting corticosteroid injections to three to four times a year to prevent potential joint damage. Frequent injections can lead to cartilage deterioration and weaken the surrounding structures.
No, joint injections are not a substitute for physiotherapy. While they provide temporary relief, working with a physiotherapist can help strengthen the joint, improve mobility, and address the root cause of discomfort. A combined approach often yields the best results.
- Bring a list of your current medications.
- If taking blood thinners like warfarin, ensure you have your INR book and test results.
- Avoid getting an injection if you’re unwell or currently taking antibiotics.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Rest the treated joint for at least 48–72 hours and avoid intense activities for two weeks.
- Mild pain or swelling at the injection site is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
- A follow-up appointment will be arranged within two to three weeks to evaluate your progress.