Joint injection is a simple, safe, and minimally-invasive treatment for joint pain caused by osteoarthritis and inflammation. Depending on the joint being injected, the condition being treated, and the length and severity of the pain syndrome, the injectable material may be a steroid medication similar to cortisone or a joint-lubricating material such as hyaluronan or hyaluronic acid, which replenishes the natural lubricant found in joints.

Image guidance may be used to identify the affected joints and guide needle placement. Joint injections are performed under local anesthesia, and the procedure usually takes just 10-15 minutes to perform.