Targeted Relief for Joint Pain
Joint Injections That Help You Move Without Pain
Joint pain can make even simple daily tasks feel difficult, whether it comes from arthritis, an old injury, or general wear and tear over time. For many patients, joint injections offer a way to reduce pain and inflammation directly at the source, often with results that last for months at a time.
As a joint injection specialist, Dr. Nishant Gandhi provides this treatment to patients throughout Wexford and the greater Pittsburgh area dealing with pain in the knees, shoulders, hips, and other joints. He evaluates each patient's condition to determine which type of injection is likely to offer the most relief.
If joint pain has been holding you back, schedule an appointment today to find out if a joint injection could help.
Types of Joint Injections We Offer
Types of Joint Injections
Not all joint injections work the same way, and the right option depends on the joint involved and the underlying cause of pain. Common types of joint injections include:
- Cortisone shots, which use a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and pain
- Gel shots, also known as viscosupplementation, which lubricate the joint and are often used for knee osteoarthritis
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use the body's own healing factors to support tissue repair
- Diagnostic injections, used to help confirm the specific source of a patient's pain
How a Cortisone Shot Works
A cortisone shot, or steroid injection, delivers medication directly into the affected joint to reduce inflammation and swelling. This can significantly ease pain and improve range of motion, often within a few days of treatment. While a single cortisone shot can provide relief for weeks or months, it's typically used as part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone cure.
Gel Shots for Joint Pain
Gel shots work differently than cortisone by supplementing the natural fluid that cushions and lubricates a joint. This treatment is most commonly used for knee osteoarthritis and can help reduce pain and improve mobility for patients who haven't found relief through other conservative treatments. Results can vary, but many patients report improvement lasting several months.
Joint Injections for Back Pain
While joint injections are often associated with larger joints like the knee or shoulder, they can also play a role in treating back pain, particularly when facet joints in the spine are the source of discomfort. In these cases, a joint injection can help confirm the diagnosis and provide meaningful relief as part of a broader treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does relief from a joint injection typically last?
The length of relief from a joint injection depends on the type of injection and the condition being treated. Cortisone shots often provide relief for several weeks to a few months, while gel shots may offer benefits that last longer for some patients. Dr. Gandhi will discuss what to expect based on your specific diagnosis and treatment plan.
How many joint injections can I receive?
The appropriate number and frequency of joint injections depends on your specific condition and how you respond to treatment. Because repeated steroid injections can carry some risk to joint tissue over time, providers typically limit how often cortisone shots are given in a specific joint. Dr. Gandhi will recommend a treatment schedule tailored to your needs.
Are joint injections painful?
Most patients tolerate joint injections well. A local anesthetic is often used to minimize discomfort, and the injection itself is typically brief. You may experience some soreness at the injection site for a day or two afterward, which usually resolves on its own.
How do I find a joint injection specialist near me?
Scheduling with Dr. Gandhi is easy. We offer convenient online scheduling, so you can book an appointment at a time that works for you. Most new patients are seen within two weeks, so you won't have to wait long to explore your treatment options. The team looks forward to helping you find relief.