Joint and Bursa Injection

What are Joint and Bursa Injections?

Joint and bursa injections are targeted treatments used to relieve pain, inflammation, and stiffness in specific joints such as the shoulder, hip, elbow, or knee. These injections typically combine a corticosteroid with a local anesthetic to reduce swelling and irritation in either the joint space or the surrounding bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint).

This procedure is ideal for treating arthritis, bursitis, and tendon-related conditions that haven’t responded to oral medications or physical therapy. Relief is often immediate or develops within a few days, helping you regain mobility and return to everyday activities.

Fast, targeted relief—right where you need it most.

Reasons For Treatment

  • Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid) affecting a specific joint
  • Bursitis in the hip, shoulder, or knee
  • Tendonitis or inflammation of soft tissues around the joint
  • Joint pain limiting mobility and quality of life
  • Swelling or fluid buildup in the joint
  • Difficulty participating in physical therapy due to pain
  • Pain not relieved by oral medications or topical treatments
  • Need for fast, localized pain relief
  • Post-injury joint inflammation
  • As part of a diagnostic evaluation for joint-related pain

How To Prepare

Dress in loose, comfortable clothing that makes the affected joint easy to access—shorts for hip or knee injections, short sleeves for shoulder or elbow. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment unless instructed otherwise. Be sure to tell your provider if you are taking blood thinners or have any known allergies. Avoid applying lotions or creams to the injection area on the day of the procedure.

What to Expect After the Treatment

You may experience mild swelling, soreness, or pressure at the injection site for 24–48 hours. Applying ice packs and resting the joint can help alleviate these symptoms. Most people begin to notice pain relief within a few days, with effects lasting from several weeks to a few months. Avoid heavy lifting, vigorous activity, or repetitive motion involving the treated joint for 1–2 days. Notify your provider if you experience increased redness, heat, or signs of infection.

Possible Side Effects

  • Temporary soreness or pressure at the injection site
  • Mild bruising or swelling
  • Facial flushing or warm sensation
  • Elevated blood sugar levels (especially in diabetics)
  • Infection (rare)
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthetic or steroid (rare)
  • Weakening of surrounding tendons with repeated injections (very rare)
  • Bleeding into the joint (uncommon)

Herniated Disc Care

At Legacy Integrative Pain Institute, Dr. Ye leads a dedicated team of specialists offering innovative, comprehensive treatment for herniated discs. By combining advanced interventional therapies with holistic methods, including acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, the team creates personalized care plans to address the root causes of pain and promote long-term healing.

Discover Our Distinctive Care Advantage

Legacy Integrative Pain Institute excels in innovative, non-invasive pain management with bilingual services in Mandarin and English. Experience personalized care and cutting-edge therapies from top pain doctors in Houston.