A joint injection places medicine, often a steroid or anesthetic, directly into a joint to reduce pain or help confirm the pain source.
Doctors usually suggest this when a joint is painful, stiff, swollen, or not improving enough with tablets, rest, or physiotherapy.
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.
Ultrasound or fluoroscopy can guide the needle more accurately into the joint space.
The benefit may be temporary or longer-lasting, and the next step depends on symptom response and the underlying joint problem.
This entry explains the procedure. Before you go, read the longer prep guide or find a centre that performs it.
