Joint Injections for Pain Relief at Pandora Family Medicine

Joint pain does not always announce itself with a dramatic injury. Sometimes it builds slowly — a knee that aches going down stairs, a shoulder that wakes you up at night, a finger that locks up in the morning. These are the kinds of problems that respond well to a targeted injection when other measures are not enough.

We commonly treat knee osteoarthritis, shoulder bursitis, hip bursitis, tennis elbow, trigger finger, and plantar fasciitis. Joint injections are also part of how we approach chronic pain management more broadly. Dr. Gougian's osteopathic training gives her a grounded understanding of how the musculoskeletal system works as a whole, not just the joint that hurts.

One thing worth knowing: excess weight puts real, measurable stress on joints, especially the knees and hips. If joint pain is part of a larger picture that includes weight, we can address both here. Dr. Gougian's work in physician-guided weight loss is directly relevant to long-term joint health.

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   Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections

   The most common type. Cortisone reduces inflammation quickly and can provide meaningful relief for weeks to months. It works well for osteoarthritis flares, bursitis, and tendon-related pain. We talk through realistic expectations before every injection so you know what to anticipate.

2. 2

   Hyaluronic acid injections

   Sometimes called viscosupplementation, these are used primarily for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant in the joint. It tends to work more gradually than cortisone but may last longer for some patients.

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   Trigger point injections

   For muscle pain that does not respond to stretching or physical therapy alone, trigger point injections can release tight bands of muscle tissue that refer pain to other areas. Dr. Gougian's osteopathic background informs how she identifies and treats these patterns.

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   Trigger finger injections

   A cortisone injection around the tendon sheath is often the first-line treatment for trigger finger and can resolve the locking or catching sensation without surgery.

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   If something turns up

   A positive tuberculosis blood test, for example, usually means a chest X-ray, not a denial. We explain what it means, arrange what is needed, and complete the form when it is done. You are never left guessing.

We know the timeline matters. Many patients are working against an interview date or a request for evidence, and we schedule and process exams with that in mind. The exam is a flat fee quoted before you book; blood tests and vaccines are itemized and added only if you need them, so there are no surprise costs.

The injection itself takes only a few minutes. Most patients feel some pressure and mild discomfort at the site, though this varies by joint and individual. You can drive yourself home.

Afterward, you may notice a temporary increase in soreness for a day or two. This is normal and usually settles on its own. For cortisone injections, most people begin to feel improvement within three to five days, sometimes sooner.

We will go over what to watch for and when to call us. If you are an established patient, follow-up is easy — you already know how to reach us, and we know your history.

That depends on the condition, the joint, and how you respond. Some patients get lasting relief from a single injection. Others benefit from a series, or from periodic injections to manage a chronic condition over time.

Cortisone injections are generally limited to a few per year in any given joint, because repeated high-dose steroids can affect the surrounding tissue. We track this carefully and factor it into your plan. If injections alone are not giving you the relief you need, we will talk honestly about what else might help — whether that is physical therapy, weight management, or a referral to orthopedics for a surgical evaluation.

We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid. Joint injections are typically a covered service when medically indicated, though your specific cost will depend on your plan, deductible, and copay. We will give you a clear picture of what to expect before your visit, not after.

If you are paying out of pocket, ask us about current self-pay rates when you call. We do not believe in surprise costs.