Injections for Joint Pain

Minimally Invasive Joint Pain Relief

Injections or shots are an effective treatment for a variety of joint conditions and may even help you delay or avoid surgery. Aurora Sports Health doctors have extensive experience providing injections for athletes and active adults – offering lasting relief from joint pain.

Types of Injections

Our doctors use several types of injections depending on your needs. Some of the most common types of injections include:

• Lidocaine: Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used to numb the joint area before injecting joint medication.
• Cortisone: Corticosteroids or cortisone shots relieve pain and inflammation in the joints. Doctors use cortisone shots to treat many types of joint pain, including knee pain, shoulder pain and hip pain. Pain relief can last anywhere from a few days to more than 6 months. You can receive only a limited amount of cortisone injections in a year, usually 3-4 times or fewer annually, depending on your condition.
• Hyaluronic acid: These injections act as a jelly-like lubricant and shock absorber to treat knee pain. You’ll receive hyaluronic acid injections weekly for 3 to 5 weeks, or a single, multidose injection. While you may not experience pain relief during the first few weeks of treatment, the positive effects of hyaluronic acid can last up to 2 years.

Sports Medicine Expertise

We are one of Wisconsin’s largest sports medicine programs, which gives us extensive experience in treating joint pain. Many of our orthopedists have specialized training in sports medicine. This expertise is why local sports teams, colleges and high schools have partnered with us for their medical care.

We know you may be hesitant to get injections for joint pain relief. Our doctors are experienced in delivering injections quickly and accurately, working to minimize any discomfort.

Integrated Joint Pain Care

Our sports medicine specialists work together to keep your treatment moving forward. At Aurora, your care team may include experts in:

• Primary care: We have primary care doctors who specialize in sports medicine. Athletes and active adults can get primary care that takes into account their athletic goals and needs. Learn more about sports medicine and primary care.
• Orthopedics: Our orthopedists treat a high volume of sports injuries every year, making us experts in sports medicine diagnosis and treatment. This expertise means better results for you. Meet our sports health team.
• Physical therapy: We have a large number of physical therapists located throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Our physical therapists work closely with doctors to monitor your progress and recovery. Learn more about orthopedic physical therapy.
• Integrative care: Your sports medicine specialist may recommend integrative treatments such as acupuncture or massage therapy.

Convenient Joint Pain Treatment

At Aurora, we understand how much joint pain can hold you back. Our convenient locations and same-day appointments help you get treatment faster, so you can get back to doing what you love.