Types of Injections

Joint pain can make it difficult to stay active, enjoy your favorite activities, or even complete everyday tasks comfortably. At STL Joint Relief, we offer several types of ultrasound-guided injections designed to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients avoid or delay surgery whenever possible.

Not every patient experiences joint pain for the same reason, which is why there is no single treatment that works for everyone. During your evaluation, we take the time to understand your symptoms, review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and use diagnostic ultrasound to identify the source of your discomfort. Based on your condition and treatment goals, we can recommend the injection therapy that may provide the greatest benefit.

All injections at STL Joint Relief are performed using real-time ultrasound guidance, allowing us to see the affected structures and precisely place medication where it is needed for optimal accuracy and effectiveness.

Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections are one of the most effective treatments for reducing joint inflammation and relieving pain. When inflammation inside a joint is causing pain, swelling, stiffness, or decreased mobility, a cortisone injection can provide significant relief that may last for weeks or even months.

At STL Joint Relief, every injection is performed using ultrasound guidance, allowing us to see exactly where the inflammation is located and place the medication precisely where it is needed. This targeted approach helps maximize results while minimizing discomfort.

Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat:

• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Joint inflammation
• Chronic joint pain
• Overuse injuries

Many patients experience reduced pain and improved function within days of treatment, making cortisone injections a popular option for those seeking fast, non-surgical relief.

Hyaluronic Acid (Gel) Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections, often called gel injections, help lubricate and cushion arthritic joints. These injections are designed to supplement the natural joint fluid that can decrease as arthritis progresses, helping improve joint movement while reducing pain and stiffness.

At STL Joint Relief, we use the Visco-3® series because we believe a three-injection treatment provides superior results, with each injection building upon the previous one to improve joint function and reduce discomfort over time.

These injections are especially beneficial for patients experiencing knee osteoarthritis who want a longer-lasting, non-surgical treatment option. By improving joint lubrication and cushioning, hyaluronic acid injections can help make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and exercising more comfortable.

Every injection is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement within the joint.

Benefits of hyaluronic acid injections may include:

• Improved joint lubrication
• Reduced arthritis pain
• Increased mobility
• Less joint stiffness
• Longer-lasting symptom relief

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your body’s own healing properties to support tissue repair and reduce pain. PRP is created by drawing a small sample of your blood, concentrating the platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich solution directly into the injured or painful area.

Platelets contain growth factors that play an important role in the body’s natural healing process. By concentrating these growth factors and delivering them directly to the affected tissue, PRP therapy may help stimulate healing, improve function, and decrease inflammation over time.

PRP is commonly used to treat:

• Arthritis
• Tendon injuries
• Chronic joint pain
• Ligament injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Sports-related injuries

Because PRP relies on the body’s natural healing response, improvements often occur gradually over several weeks and months. Many patients choose PRP when they are looking for a regenerative treatment option that goes beyond symptom management.

Every PRP injection is precisely guided with ultrasound technology to ensure the treatment is delivered to the intended location.

Which Injection is Right For You?

The best injection depends on the cause of your pain, the severity of your condition, and your treatment goals.

Cortisone Injections

Often recommended when inflammation is the primary source of pain and faster symptom relief is desired.

Hyaluronic Acid (Gel) Injections

Frequently used for patients with knee osteoarthritis who need additional joint cushioning and lubrication.

PRP Injections

Commonly recommended for patients seeking a regenerative treatment approach that may help support tissue healing and long-term function.

During your consultation, we will review your symptoms, examine the affected joint, and use diagnostic ultrasound to determine which treatment option may be most appropriate for your condition.

Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters

The success of an injection depends not only on the medication used but also on accurate placement. Without imaging guidance, it can be difficult to ensure medication reaches the exact location causing pain.

Ultrasound guidance allows us to visualize the joint, tendons, ligaments, and surrounding structures in real time throughout the procedure. This level of precision helps improve accuracy, increase treatment effectiveness, and minimize unnecessary discomfort.

At STL Joint Relief, every injection is performed under ultrasound guidance because we believe patients deserve the most precise treatment available.

Take the First Step Toward Relief