Orthopedic Injections: Quick Facts and How They Help Your Joints

If you’ve ever heard a doctor mention “injection for your knee” or “cortisone shot,” you’re looking at orthopedic injections. These are tiny doses of medicine delivered right into the joint, tendon or bursa to cut pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. They’re popular because they work fast, avoid surgery, and can keep you moving without a long recovery.

Common Types of Orthopedic Injections

There are a few main flavors you’ll run into:

• Cortisone shots: Steroid mixed with a local anesthetic. Great for arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis.
• Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections: Thick fluid that lubricates the joint, often used for knee osteoarthritis.
• Platelet‑rich plasma (PRP): Your own blood is spun to concentrate platelets, then injected to kickstart tissue repair.
• Stem cell injections: Similar idea to PRP but uses stem cells from fat or bone marrow to try and regenerate damaged cartilage.

Each one targets a different problem. Your doctor will pick the best match based on where it hurts, how long you’ve had pain, and what your overall health looks like.

What to Expect Before, During & After

Before: You’ll get a quick exam, maybe an X‑ray or ultrasound, so the doctor knows exactly where to place the needle. Some clinics ask you to stop certain blood thinners for a few days.

During: The area is cleaned and numbed with a spray or tiny injection of lidocaine. You might feel a brief pinch as the medicine goes in, but it’s usually over fast.

After: Most people can walk right out. Doctors often suggest resting the joint for 24‑48 hours and applying ice to keep swelling down. Pain relief may start within hours for cortisone, while HA or PRP might need a week or two to show full effect.

Side effects are rare but can include mild bruising, temporary soreness, or a brief flare of pain right after the shot. Serious complications like infection are very uncommon if the clinic follows proper sterile technique.

If you’re on a rehab plan, combine injections with physical therapy for the best results. Strengthening the muscles around the joint helps keep the benefits lasting longer.

Most doctors limit cortisone shots to about three per year in one spot because repeated steroids can weaken tissue over time. HA, PRP or stem cell treatments often follow a series of 2‑3 injections spaced weeks apart.

In short, orthopedic injections give you a fast‑acting tool to manage joint pain without going under the knife. Talk with your healthcare provider about which type fits your condition, how many shots are safe, and what post‑injection care will keep you moving pain‑free.