Joint pain makes everyday movements uncomfortable, and it may limit a person’s ability to stay active. Symptoms often range from mild stiffness to persistent discomfort that interferes with daily routines. Treatment approaches vary based on the underlying cause and the extent of joint damage. Here are three ways medical professionals treat joint pain:
1. Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used for joint pain. A corticosteroid is a synthetic form of cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate inflammation. When injected, it temporarily decreases pain and improves joint movement. During the visit, the provider cleans the skin, numbs the area with a local anesthetic, and injects the medication into the joint space. Some clinicians use ultrasound or fluoroscopy, a type of live X-ray, to guide the needle.
Providers often recommend these injections for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bursitis. Some patients report relief for several weeks or months, while others notice little change. Because the response varies with the condition and severity of joint damage, providers assess each patient’s improvement before recommending additional injections. Repeated doses may also affect cartilage, so providers typically limit the number of injections a joint receives each year.
2. Viscosupplementation Procedures
Healthy joints contain synovial fluid; this thick liquid cushions bones and helps them glide. In joints affected by osteoarthritis, this fluid often becomes thinner and less effective. Viscosupplementation involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally found in synovial fluid, into the joint to add to what is already there. Providers commonly perform this procedure on the knee. A patient may receive a single injection or a series of several injections given about one week apart. Some people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis experience reduced stiffness, while people with advanced joint damage notice less change.
3. Radiofrequency Neurotomy
Radiofrequency neurotomy, or radiofrequency ablation, targets the nerves that carry pain signals from a joint to the brain. Instead of treating the joint itself, it interrupts signals along sensory nerves. Providers commonly use it for chronic pain in the:
- Spine’s facet joints
- Sacroiliac joint
- Knees
- Hips
Many providers start with a diagnostic nerve block; this places a numbing agent near the target nerves to see whether pain decreases. If the block meaningfully reduces pain, the patient may qualify for neurotomy. During the procedure, the provider uses imaging guidance to place a thin needle near the nerve. A small electrode delivers radiofrequency energy, which heats and disrupts a section of the nerve. Patients are usually awake and receive a local anesthetic, sometimes with light sedation. Nerves may regenerate over time, so the effects are often temporary.
Manage Joint Pain
Steroid injections, viscosupplementation, and radiofrequency neurotomy each address joint pain differently. The right option depends on your diagnosis and medical history. Doctors review the joint involved and how you responded to earlier treatments when determining your candidacy for these procedures. Providers often combine these with physical therapy, exercise, or weight management to reduce joint pressure. Results differ from person to person, so an accurate evaluation comes first. Schedule an appointment with a pain management clinic to discuss your symptoms and review which treatment options fit your needs.
