For patients dealing with arthritis or joint pain, pain-relieving injections can provide a pathway to improved mobility and quality of life — whether you’re preparing for a joint replacement or recovering afterward.
Why Pain-Relieving Injections Matter
Joint pain can make everyday activities — walking, climbing stairs, or even sleeping — challenging. Injections can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function while patients explore long-term solutions such as hip or knee replacement.
Types of Pain-Relieving Injections
- Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce joint inflammation and provide temporary pain relief, often for hip, knee, or shoulder arthritis. These injections help calm inflammation within the joint and can offer meaningful short-term relief during painful flare-ups.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections, also known as viscosupplementation, act as a lubricant for the joint, improving mobility and reducing stiffness — particularly in the knee. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy joint fluid that helps cushion and support smooth movement. In osteoarthritis, this fluid becomes thinner and less effective, leading to pain and stiffness. HA injections help restore lubrication and improve joint function.
- HYMOVIS® injections are a newer type of hyaluronic acid treatment designed specifically for knee osteoarthritis. This high-molecular-weight HA injection provides enhanced lubrication and shock absorption within the joint. Unlike some viscosupplementation treatments that require multiple injections, HYMOVIS® typically involves just two injections given one week apart. By supplementing the joint’s natural fluid, it can help reduce friction, improve mobility, and provide up to six months of relief for some patients. HYMOVIS® is often recommended for individuals who have not experienced adequate relief from medications, physical therapy, or other conservative treatments.
How Injections Support Joint Replacement
Pain-relieving injections can play an important role both before and after surgery.
Before surgery, they can help patients stay active and maintain muscle strength, which often leads to better surgical outcomes. After surgery, injections may help manage lingering inflammation or discomfort during recovery. For some patients, injections can even temporarily relieve pain and postpone the need for joint replacement while maintaining an active lifestyle.
What to Expect
Injections are typically performed in the office with minimal downtime and are quick, often taking less than 30 minutes. After the procedure, your orthopedic specialist will provide guidance on activity modifications and follow-up care. Most patients notice relief within a few days to weeks, depending on the type of injection and severity of joint issues.
Safety and Considerations
While injections are generally safe, your orthopedic specialist will review potential side effects — such as temporary swelling or soreness — and discuss how many injections are safe in a given period. Injections are most effective when combined with a comprehensive treatment plan, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.
Finding Relief and Staying Active
Joint pain doesn’t have to limit your life. Pain-relieving injections can help reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and support both pre- and post-surgery recovery, allowing you to stay active and enjoy daily activities.
At Advantage Orthopedic & Sports Medicine, we create personalized treatment plans to address joint pain safely and effectively. Whether you’re preparing for a joint replacement or exploring non-surgical options, our goal is to help you move with comfort and confidence.
Schedule a consultation today to learn which injection options may be right for you and take the first step toward a more active, pain-free life.