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Joint injections provide targeted relief from pain and inflammation in damaged or arthritic joints. At Desert Pain Specialists in Rancho Mirage, California, Roland Reinhart, MD, and Meaghan Berglund, PA-C, offer corticosteroid, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and hyaluronic acid injections to reduce discomfort and improve mobility. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, joint injury, or wear-and-tear pain, the team develops personalized treatment plans to restore comfort. Reach out to Desert Pain Specialists by phone or request an appointment online today.
Joint Injections Q & A
What are joint injections?
Joint injections are treatments where the Desert Pain Specialists team injects medication or healing substances directly into a painful or damaged joint.
They often use joint injections to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility when other treatments like oral medications or physical therapy are not enough.
What types of joint injections are available?
Desert Pain Specialists offers several joint injection options tailored to each patient’s needs:
Corticosteroid injections
Steroid joint injections contain a strong anti-inflammatory medication that mimics the action of natural hormones responsible for reducing inflammation. When injected into a joint, steroids can quickly ease swelling and pain. Relief may last weeks to months, depending on the severity of your condition.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
PRP uses a patient’s own blood platelets (which are rich in growth factors) to promote tissue repair and healing inside the joint. Patients with osteoarthritis or tendon injuries may benefit from PRP therapy. Because it comes from your blood, it’s a natural way to support the body’s healing process and may improve joint function over time.
Hyaluronic acid injections
Also known as viscosupplementation, these injections add lubrication and cushioning fluid to help bones move more smoothly.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance found naturally in healthy joints. In conditions like osteoarthritis, joint fluid breaks down and becomes less effective. Adding hyaluronic acid back into the joint helps reduce friction, allowing for easier and more comfortable movement.
What happens during a joint injection procedure?
The Desert Pain Specialists team performs joint injections in the office. They clean the skin over the joint and apply a numbing treatment to improve your comfort. Using a small needle, your provider injects the drug directly into the joint space.
The team has access to on-site fluoroscopy (moving X-ray) guidance to ensure injections into complex joints are accurate.
The process is typically quick, taking only a few minutes, and most patients can return to their normal activities shortly afterward. Complications are rare, but some patients may notice a little soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site.
Contact Desert Pain Specialists to learn more about joint injections and see if they’re the right fit for you. Call the office or request a consultation online today.