Intra-articular corticosteroid injections can reduce pain and flares in selected osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthropathies. Reviews in family medicine journals (e.g., AAFP musculoskeletal injection series) outline anatomical landmarks and volumes. Canadian OA care also references high-quality lifestyle and multimodal management alongside injections.
We screen for infection, unstable joint, recent vaccine timing considerations (per current immunization references), post-injection glucose effects in diabetes, and tendon rupture rare risks after repeated peri-tendinous steroid.
What This Service Includes
Diagnosis confirmation
OA vs inflammatory; gout flare partially treated may mimic—crystals aspiration helps.
Technique parity
Sterile prep, avoid neurovascular structures, post-injection relative rest.
Limits
Maximum frequency per joint per year discussed; surgery referral if structural failure.
What to Expect
Consent
Skin depigmentation, post-injection flare, infection risk (low but real).
Inject
Joint line entry with minimal passes; distribute suspension gently.
Aftercare
24–48h relative rest; ice; ER if fever or rapidly increasing pain/swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Improvement may begin in days; benefit duration varies by condition and joint.
Not first-line for everyone; evidence and coverage vary—we discuss trade-offs.
We may counsel on transient hyperglycemia monitoring after steroid.
No—if injections provide diminishing return, we pivot to PT, bracing, or surgical consult.