Joint/Bursa Injection
Whether the pain is in the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, or another joint, joint and bursa injections offer targeted relief and can help patients restore mobility, avoid or delay surgery, and return to an active lifestyle.
Understanding Joint and Bursa Pain
Joints are where two bones meet and are supported by cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bursa sacs. Bursae act as cushions between bones and surrounding soft tissues. When a joint is overused, injured, or affected by degenerative conditions, the bursa can become inflamed (bursitis), or the joint itself can become stiff, swollen, and painful.
Common causes of joint or bursa pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis (e.g., subacromial, trochanteric, or olecranon bursitis)
- Tendinitis
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Gout or crystal-induced arthritis
- Trauma or overuse
To learn more about these conditions, visit our Conditions Treated section.
What Conditions Are Treated with Joint and Bursa Injections?
These injections can be used to manage pain in nearly any major joint, including:
- Knees – For arthritis, meniscus irritation, or joint inflammation
- Hips – For bursitis or osteoarthritis
- Shoulders – For rotator cuff issues, frozen shoulder, or bursitis
- Elbows – Commonly for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Ankles and wrists – For repetitive motion injuries or degenerative conditions
They may also be used diagnostically to determine whether a joint or bursa is the true source of a patient’s pain.
How the Procedure Works
Joint and bursa injections are performed under sterile conditions, often with ultrasound or fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise placement. The skin over the injection site is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic. A small needle is then inserted into the joint capsule or bursa, and a mixture of corticosteroid and anesthetic is injected.
The anesthetic provides immediate, short-term pain relief, while the corticosteroid works over several days to reduce inflammation and swelling.
The procedure typically takes less than 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Some patients feel relief within hours, while others may notice improvement over the next 2–3 days. Results vary depending on the condition being treated, but relief can last from several weeks to several months.
After the injection, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours. Ice can be used to reduce any temporary soreness at the injection site.
If the first injection is successful, repeat treatments may be scheduled at appropriate intervals. In some cases, other therapies—such as physical therapy, PRP therapy, or radiofrequency ablation—may be recommended to support long-term outcomes.
Benefits of Joint/Bursa Injections
- Quick, outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
- Directly targets the source of inflammation and pain
- Helps confirm diagnosis and guide further treatment
- May delay or eliminate the need for surgery
- Improves mobility and range of motion
- Reduces dependence on oral medications
Joint and bursa injections are often part of a comprehensive pain management plan that may include other non-surgical therapies to support joint health and function.
Are You a Candidate for Joint or Bursa Injections?
If you’re living with chronic joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that hasn’t responded to medications or rest, joint or bursa injections may provide the relief you need. They are particularly beneficial for patients who want to delay surgery or who are not surgical candidates due to other medical conditions.
Personalized Care at Ascent Pain
At Ascent Pain, we take a patient-first approach to treating joint and musculoskeletal pain. Our board-certified specialists use advanced imaging and precision techniques to ensure your injections are both safe and effective. Whether you’re struggling with arthritis, bursitis, or injury-related pain, we’ll help you find a path to comfort and improved mobility.
Call Ascent Pain at (504) 249-7576 or request your appointment online to see if a joint or bursa injection is right for you.