Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Joint Injection?
A primary care doctor, a sports medicine doctor, or an orthopaedic surgeon can give a joint injection. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
A steroid injection is a shot of medicine used to relieve a swollen or inflamed area that is often painful.
Another kind puts a gel-like fluid called hyaluronic acid into the knee.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Steroid shots help reduce the pain from many joint conditions, such as arthritis. A steroid shot is considered an effective option for many people with joint pain. This is especially true if less invasive treatments, such as physical therapy, have not helped enough. It does not cure the underlying cause of the inflammation.
A hyaluronic acid shot may be an option for knee arthritis after other treatments that do not use surgery have been tried. The most recent research has not found these shots to significantly reduce pain or improve function.
How to prepare
A steroid shot is usually given in your provider's office. Your provider will tell you what preparation is needed, but usually there is none.
What happens during it
You lie on a table or sit in a chair, and the injection area is cleaned. Then a small amount of steroid and numbing medicine is injected into the joint.
A steroid shot typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
Recovery
The numbing medicine can ease pain for the first few hours, but that effect wears off. After that, the pain you had before may return for several days. The effect of the steroid usually starts 5 to 7 days after the shot. A flare can happen, where the pain gets worse for 1 to 2 days before the steroid takes effect.
You might have slight swelling and redness around the injection site. For swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
If you have diabetes, the steroid can raise your blood sugar level, most often only by a small amount.
After a hyaluronic acid shot, avoid too much activity, such as jogging or heavy lifting, for the first 48 hours.
Risks and side effects
Possible risks of a steroid shot include the following.
- Pain and bruising at the site of the injection
- Allergic reaction to the medicine
- Infection
- Damage to nerves near the joint or soft tissue
Steroid shots can harm the cells that keep the joint surface smooth. If you get a joint replacement later, surgery in that joint should wait at least 3 months after a shot to lower the risk of infection.
Tendinitis is a painful problem caused by swelling in a tendon. A steroid shot should generally not be used for tendinitis. It can raise the chance of a tendon rupture, which is a tear. A shot can also miss the joint space, which can give little or no relief.
There is a very small risk of infection. A joint infection can be serious and may need medical care right away. Contact your provider if pain, redness, swelling, or fever is getting worse.
After a hyaluronic acid shot, pain, warmth, and slight swelling can happen right away. After a hyaluronic acid shot, a knee may become full of fluid, red, warm, and painful. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing. Also call 911 or go to the emergency room if your face, eyes, or tongue swell.
Who performs it
Primary care doctors, sports medicine doctors, and orthopaedic surgeons can give steroid shots.
Common questions
How long does a steroid shot take to work?
A steroid shot usually starts to work 5 to 7 days after the injection.
How many steroid shots can I get?
There is no formal limit on the number of shots you can receive. Doctors often set a practical limit of 3 to 4 shots per year. After that, surgery may be a better option, because more shots bring less pain relief and may raise the risk of infection.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Cortisone Shot (Steroid Injection)
- MedlinePlus - Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Viscosupplementation for Knee Arthritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
