Joint Injections in Troy, MI
Joint pain can make everyday activities difficult, from climbing stairs to lifting groceries to getting a good night's sleep. When oral medications and physical therapy are not providing enough relief, joint injections can be an effective next step. At Phase Medical Group, Dr. Alex Christofis performs corticosteroid injections (sometimes referred to as "cortisone shots") in the office to help patients manage joint pain and inflammation without the need for a specialist referral or surgical center.
What Are Joint Injections?
A joint injection delivers medication directly into the joint space to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The most common type of joint injection used in primary care is a corticosteroid injection, which combines a potent anti-inflammatory steroid with a local anesthetic for immediate and longer-term relief. By targeting the source of inflammation directly, joint injections can provide relief that oral medications alone may not achieve.
Common Injection Sites We Treat
Your physician can perform injections in several joints, depending on where your pain is located:
Knee - One of the most commonly injected joints. Knee injections are frequently used for osteoarthritis, bursitis, and meniscal irritation.
Shoulder - Injections can address rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, and general shoulder arthritis.
Wrist and Hand - Common for conditions like de Quervain's tenosynovitis, trigger finger, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Elbow - Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) may respond well to injections.
Conditions Treated with Joint Injections
Joint injections are used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Tendinitis
Inflammatory arthritis flare-ups
Overuse injuries and repetitive strain conditions
Your physician will evaluate your symptoms, examine the affected joint, and may order imaging such as an X-ray to determine whether an injection is the right approach for your situation.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Joint injections are performed right in our office and typically take just a few minutes. Here is what the process looks like:
The skin over the joint is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the area and improve comfort.
Your physician inserts a thin needle into the joint space and injects the corticosteroid medication.
If there is excess fluid in the joint, it may be aspirated (drained) before the injection.
A small bandage is applied, and you are free to leave shortly after.
Most patients describe the injection as a brief pressure or mild sting. The local anesthetic in the injection often provides immediate pain relief, though this initial relief may wear off before the corticosteroid takes full effect.
Pain Relief Timeline
The corticosteroid component of the injection typically begins working within 2 to 5 days, with maximum benefit usually reached within one to two weeks. The duration of relief varies depending on the condition being treated and individual factors, but many patients experience significant improvement for several weeks to several months.
It is normal to experience mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two after the procedure. Applying ice and resting the joint for 24 to 48 hours can help. Your physician will provide specific aftercare instructions based on the joint treated.
When Injections Are Appropriate vs. Other Treatments
Joint injections are not always the first line of treatment. Your physician will typically recommend trying conservative measures first, such as:
Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam)
Physical therapy and targeted exercises
Rest, ice, and activity modification
Bracing or supportive devices
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for musculoskeletal issues that may benefit from hands-on care
When these measures are not sufficient, an injection may be recommended to break the cycle of pain and inflammation, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and daily activities. If joint damage is severe or injections no longer provide adequate relief, your physician may refer you to an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation.
There are limits to how frequently corticosteroid injections should be given to a single joint. Generally, injections are spaced at least three months apart, and most joints should not receive more than three to four injections per year. Your physician will discuss the appropriate frequency based on your specific condition.
Insurance and Cost
Joint injections are billed as an in-office procedure and are covered by most insurance plans when medically necessary. The injection is typically billed alongside your office visit. If imaging such as an X-ray is ordered, it may be billed separately. For questions about your specific coverage, please call our office at 248-847-0626.
Why Choose Phase Medical Group
Dr. Alex Christofis provides joint injections as part of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal care. By offering this procedure in our office, we eliminate the need for a separate specialist visit for many patients, saving time and reducing costs. Our team takes the time to evaluate your condition thoroughly, discuss all treatment options, and ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. If your condition requires advanced care, we coordinate referrals to trusted orthopedic specialists in the area.
Areas We Serve
Phase Medical Group provides joint injection services to patients from Troy, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights, Shelby Township, Oakland County, Macomb County, and the greater Metro Detroit area. Our office is located at 6905 Rochester Road in Troy, MI.
Find Relief from Joint Pain
If joint pain is limiting your daily life, a corticosteroid injection may provide the relief you need. Call Phase Medical Group at 248-847-0626 to schedule an appointment and discuss whether a joint injection is right for you.