Joint Injection
A joint injection places medicine, often a steroid or anesthetic, directly into a joint to reduce pain or help confirm the pain source.
When to get help quickly: The injection itself is rarely urgent, but the joint needs prompt review if it becomes suddenly very hot, swollen, painful, or is associated with fever because infection must be ruled out first.
Common symptoms
Doctors usually suggest this when a joint is painful, stiff, swollen, or not improving enough with tablets, rest, or physiotherapy.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps guide the needle into the correct joint space, especially when the joint is small, deep, or difficult to access confidently by feel alone.
What radiology does
Ultrasound or fluoroscopy can guide the needle more accurately into the joint space.
What usually happens next
The benefit may be temporary or longer-lasting, and the next step depends on symptom response and the underlying joint problem.
Need this done?
See which centers in Lagos offer it.
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Related scan guides
- Arthrography (Joint Injection Study)Arthrography is the injection of contrast into a joint under fluoroscopy guidance, usually as preparation for an MRI or CT of the joint. It allows doctors to see fine detail of cartilage, labrum, and ligaments that is invisible on routine imaging.
- Hip MRIA Hip MRI is a specialized scan focusing on the ball-and-socket joint connecting your leg to your pelvis. It is highly effective for investigating deep groin pain, catching sensations, and detecting restricted blood flow to the bone.
- Musculoskeletal (MSK) UltrasoundA Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound provides a real-time, moving picture of your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Unlike a static X-ray, this test allows your doctor to see how your internal structures move and stretch while you actively use them.