Orthopaedics · Jaipur Hospital
Non-surgical Orthopaedic Treatment in Jaipur
Persistent joint pain disturbs your daily routine. Jaipur Hospital offers an evaluation, review of your scans, and a non-surgical treatment plan.
- Serving Jaipur since 1991 (35 years)
- NABH accredited
- 24×7 emergency & ICU
- Cashless: RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS + 22 insurers
- Procedure time
- 15 to 20 minutes
- Anaesthesia
- Local anaesthesia (skin)
- Recovery
- Rest 24 hoursrelief in 2 to 7 days
- Price
- ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per injectiontypical range in India; ask us for an estimate
Living with stiff, aching joints
Everyday steps feel difficult and uncomfortable
Climbing stairs, walking to the market, or getting up from a chair can cause sharp joint discomfort. Rest or routine tablets may no longer give you enough relief.
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Pain during simple movements
Walking, bending, or standing for long periods brings nagging joint pain that interferes with regular work.
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Morning joint stiffness
Your joints feel tight after waking up, making it harder to start your daily morning chores.
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Uncertainty about surgery
You want relief from severe joint ache but prefer to avoid or delay an operation.
Joint injections are typically recommended when chronic pain continues despite conservative care like tablets or physiotherapy.
Why Jaipur Hospital
You may worry that joint pain will keep you from work and force you into an unwanted operation.
Your care plan
Your first steps with us
- 1 Book an orthopaedic consultation in our OPD.
- 2 Review your scans and health history with your surgeon.
- 3 Receive your ultrasound-guided injection in an outpatient setting.
- 4 Rest for 24 hours and attend your scheduled follow-up.
How the procedure is done
Injections are performed as an outpatient procedure using local anaesthesia. The procedure typically takes 15 to 20 minutes under real-time ultrasound guidance.
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Corticosteroid Injection
Your surgeon will discuss this anti-inflammatory injection option for arthritis, bursitis, or joint synovitis.
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Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation)
Your surgeon will discuss this lubricating injection for knee osteoarthritis, typically given in 1 to 3 weekly shots.
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PRP Injection
Your surgeon will discuss platelet-rich plasma injections as an option for tendonitis or mild joint arthritis.
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Ultrasound Guidance
Your surgeon will discuss using real-time imaging to guide needle placement directly into the affected joint space.
Why patients trust us
- 1991 Serving Jaipur for 35 years
- NABH Accredited hospital
- 5 Orthopaedics consultants
- 24×7 Emergency, ICU and ambulance
- 25 Cashless schemes and insurers
Clinical findings on joint injections
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2 to 12 months
In clinical studies, platelet-rich plasma injections provided symptomatic improvements starting at 2 months and lasting up to 12 months.
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Within 3 days
Temporary post-injection joint pain can occur, but in trials these reactions resolved within 3 days with simple medication.
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15 to 20 minutes
The procedure is carried out in an outpatient clinic and typically takes 15 to 20 minutes under local anaesthesia.
If it is left untreated
Untreated joint degeneration can lead to worsening stiffness and reduced mobility. Over time, persistent inflammation may cause progressive loss of cartilage volume, making daily activities increasingly uncomfortable.
Returning to daily routines
Patients usually rest for 24 hours after the injection, with initial relief typically noticed in 2 to 7 days.
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Easier daily walking
Most people notice improved ease while moving around the home and going about ordinary tasks.
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Less morning tightness
Patients typically find it simpler to get out of bed with reduced stiffness in the joint.
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Clearer treatment direction
You gain an understanding of your joint condition without being rushed into surgical procedures.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients ask about non-surgical orthopaedic treatment
What does intra-articular steroid injection involve?
In short
An intra-articular steroid injection at Jaipur Hospital is an outpatient procedure that takes 15 to 20 minutes. Your surgeon uses ultrasound guidance to place a needle accurately into the joint space and injects a corticosteroid with local anaesthetic. You rest for 24 hours afterwards and pain relief typically begins within 2 to 7 days.
In detail
The technique uses real-time ultrasound imaging so the needle reaches the exact site of inflammation. Corticosteroid reduces swelling in conditions such as arthritis, bursitis and synovitis.
Evidence from randomised trials shows most adverse events are mild, such as temporary joint pain that settles within three days, and serious complications like infection are rare. The procedure is done in the OPD without hospital admission.
A common belief
Some people think the injection is blind or needs a stay in hospital.
What actually happens
Ultrasound guidance makes it precise, and it is done as a day-case procedure. Serious side effects are uncommon; most patients only feel brief soreness.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
You will have a consultation where your surgeon reviews your symptoms, examines the joint and checks any recent X-rays or MRI. If an injection is appropriate, it can be scheduled the same week. The typical price range is ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per injection. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book your consultation.
Which tests and scans do I need before an intra-articular steroid injection?
In short
Before an intra-articular steroid injection at Jaipur Hospital, you typically need recent X-rays of the affected joint and sometimes an MRI to assess cartilage, soft tissue and inflammation. Blood tests may be ordered if there is concern about infection, diabetes control or bleeding risk. The surgeon decides based on your history.
In detail
Studies used weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs graded by the Kellgren-Lawrence scale to confirm osteoarthritis severity. MRI evaluated cartilage defect size, meniscal volume and joint effusion.
These images help the surgeon target the injection accurately and rule out conditions that need different treatment, such as infection or tumour. Ultrasound is used during the procedure itself for real-time needle guidance, not as a pre-test.
If you have had imaging within the last three months, bring those reports; otherwise the hospital can arrange them in-house.
A common belief
Patients often think they need a full body check-up.
What actually happens
Only the relevant joint imaging and targeted blood work are required. Ultrasound is used during the injection for guidance, not as a separate scan beforehand. Bringing old reports avoids repeat tests and saves time.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Carry all prior imaging and blood reports to your OPD appointment. The surgeon will review them and order any missing tests. Most tests are available on the same day at our in-house laboratory and radiology.
How painful is the ultrasound-guided joint injection procedure and the early recovery?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital the ultrasound-guided joint injection uses local anaesthesia to numb the skin, so the needle pass feels like pressure rather than sharp pain. Most patients describe the procedure as mild discomfort lasting a few minutes. Early recovery may bring a temporary ache in the joint for 24 to 48 hours.
In detail
Our usual protocols state anaesthesia is local anaesthesia (skin). The clinician injects a small amount of lidocaine before advancing the needle under real-time ultrasound view.
Evidence from multiple studies shows that articular pain requiring anti-inflammatory treatment during the first 24 hours after infiltration occurs in a minority of patients and settles quickly.
The injection substance itself — corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid or PRP — can cause a brief flare as the joint reacts to the volume and the active agent. This post-injection flare is self-limited and usually responds to simple measures such as rest, ice and paracetamol.
No serious pain scores were reported in the safety data; adverse events were mostly mild or moderate and recovered with intermittent acetaminophen.
A common belief
Patients often expect severe pain because it is a needle in a joint.
What actually happens
Ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia make it much more comfortable than imagined.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan to rest the joint for 24 hours after the injection. Apply ice packs for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day if needed. Take paracetamol as advised by your surgeon; avoid NSAIDs for the first few days if you received PRP.
Most people return to light activity the next day. Contact the hospital if pain worsens after 48 hours or if you develop fever.
How long does recovery usually take after ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, recovery after ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections is short. You rest the joint for 24 hours, then resume light activity as comfort allows. Pain relief from the injected medicine typically begins in 2 to 7 days.
In detail
The procedure itself takes 15 to 20 minutes as an outpatient. Local anaesthesia wears off in a few hours. Some patients feel a temporary flare of joint ache for the first day, which settles with paracetamol and ice.
Studies show most adverse events are mild and resolve within three days. The therapeutic effect depends on the injection type: corticosteroid relief often starts within a few days; hyaluronic acid may take a week or two; PRP can show gradual improvement over weeks. No prolonged immobilisation is needed.
A common belief
Patients often expect weeks of downtime like after surgery.
What actually happens
This is an outpatient injection with no stitches, no cast, and no long rehab. Most people are back to routine the next day, just avoiding heavy sport for a couple of days.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Plan for a quiet day after the injection. Avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours. You can return to desk work the next day if comfortable. Follow up as advised by your surgeon, usually in two to four weeks.
What is being injected and what benefit is expected from an ultrasound-guided joint injection?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, the injection may contain corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The choice depends on your condition. Corticosteroid reduces inflammation in arthritis or bursitis. Hyaluronic acid lubricates the knee in osteoarthritis. PRP supports healing in tendonitis or mild arthritis. All are given under ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
In detail
Ultrasound guidance allows the surgeon to see the needle in real time and place the medication precisely into the joint or soft tissue. Corticosteroid injections aim to reduce swelling and pain quickly, often within days.
Hyaluronic acid (viscosupplementation) usually involves one to three weekly shots to improve joint movement and cushioning. PRP uses your own concentrated platelets to promote tissue repair over weeks.
Studies show PRP can provide pain relief and functional improvement for up to 12 months in early knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid improves WOMAC and VAS scores over 6 to 12 months. Corticosteroid gives shorter-term relief. The surgeon selects the option based on your diagnosis, severity, and previous treatments.
A common belief
Some people think all joint injections are the same.
What actually happens
They are not. A steroid calms a flare-up. Hyaluronic acid replaces lost joint fluid. PRP tries to repair tissue. The right choice depends on your specific joint condition.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Your surgeon will explain which injection suits your joint problem during the consultation. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes. You rest the joint for 24 hours. Relief typically starts in 2 to 7 days. The typical price range in India is ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per injection.
How will an ultrasound-guided joint injection affect my walking, movement, or independence?
In short
An ultrasound-guided injection at Jaipur Hospital aims to reduce joint pain so you can walk and move more comfortably. Evidence shows significant improvements in WOMAC function scores, range of motion, and VAS pain scores after PRP and hyaluronic acid injections. Pain relief typically starts within two to seven days, allowing better participation in daily activities and physiotherapy.
In detail
In studies, PRP provided progressive reduction in pain and disability for up to 12 months. Hyaluronic acid improved WOMAC and VAS scores at six and 12 months. Range of motion improved significantly in mesenchymal stem cell groups. Corticosteroid gives shorter-term relief for inflammatory flares.
The injection does not replace muscle strength; you will still need to use the joint. Improved pain control supports independence in walking, stairs, and household tasks.
A common belief
Some people expect the injection to fix the joint completely.
What actually happens
It does not rebuild cartilage or replace muscle work. It lowers pain so you can move and strengthen the joint through exercise. That is what restores independence.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Rest the joint for 24 hours after the procedure. Then gradually resume walking and prescribed exercises. Most people notice reduced pain within a week. A physiotherapy programme helps maintain the gains.
Why might my doctor recommend an intra-articular steroid injection?
In short
Your doctor may recommend an intra-articular steroid injection at Jaipur Hospital when joint pain from arthritis, bursitis or synovitis limits daily activities and simpler measures have not helped. The injection aims to reduce inflammation directly inside the joint so you can move more comfortably and continue physiotherapy.
In detail
Corticosteroid is a strong anti-inflammatory that works locally within the joint. Studies show it can lower pain scores and improve function for weeks to months.
It is often used when oral medicines, rest or physical therapy have not given enough relief, and when surgery is not yet needed. Ultrasound guidance improves accuracy and safety.
A common belief
It is not a first-line fix for every ache.
What actually happens
It is used when simpler steps like tablets or exercises have not helped enough, and before considering surgery. The injection targets the joint directly, not the whole body.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
The surgeon will assess your pain level, joint swelling and imaging before deciding. If you proceed, the injection is done as an outpatient visit. The typical cost is ₹3,000 to ₹12,000. You rest for 24 hours and can resume light activity after that. Please contact Jaipur Hospital to book your consultation.
How should I prepare in the days before an intra-articular steroid injection?
In short
In the days before your intra-articular steroid injection at Jaipur Hospital, follow the surgeon's specific instructions. You may be asked to stop NSAIDs or blood thinners temporarily to reduce bleeding risk. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the joint. Arrange for an attendant to drive you home after the procedure.
In detail
Evidence-based preparation includes informing the doctor about all medicines, supplements and herbal products you take. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, may need adjustment. Patients are typically advised to avoid NSAIDs for a few days before the injection. Staying well-hydrated supports joint health.
If you have any skin infection, cut or rash near the injection site, tell the surgeon as the procedure may be postponed. No fasting is required for local anaesthesia alone.
A common belief
People often think they must fast or stop all medicines.
What actually happens
Fasting is not needed for local anaesthesia. Only specific blood-thinning medicines are paused, and the surgeon will tell you exactly which ones and when. Hydration helps, but no special diet is required.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Confirm your medication plan with the surgeon or the pre-assessment nurse. Bring a list of all current medicines. Plan to rest for 24 hours after the injection.
What are the common side effects and the less common serious complications of ultrasound-guided joint injections?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital common side effects after ultrasound-guided joint injections include temporary joint ache, mild swelling and bruising at the needle site. These usually settle within a few days. Serious complications such as joint infection, significant bleeding or allergic reaction are rare.
In detail
Evidence from controlled trials shows adverse events are mostly mild or moderate. Treatment-related adverse events included arthralgia and joint effusion that resolved within three days. No grade 4 or 5 adverse events by the NCI-CTCAE scale were observed.
No serious adverse events or complications derived from the procedures were noted in the studies. One trial reported a single case of knee joint infection in a hyaluronic acid group. Ultrasound guidance reduces risk by visualising the needle path and avoiding vessels and nerves.
The protocol uses strict aseptic technique and single-use sterile kits. All patients recovered completely without sequelae in the reported data.
A common belief
People often worry about nerve damage or cartilage harm.
What actually happens
Ultrasound guidance and sterile technique make those events extremely uncommon.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
After the injection keep the dressing clean and dry for 24 hours. Watch for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, fever above 38°C or severe pain that does not improve with paracetamol. These need urgent review. Routine follow-up is arranged by your surgeon.
Which symptoms are expected afterwards, and which need urgent medical attention after ultrasound-guided joint and soft tissue injections?
In short
At Jaipur Hospital, expected symptoms after an ultrasound-guided injection include mild soreness at the needle site, slight swelling or a temporary increase in joint pain for up to three days. These settle with rest and simple analgesia. Urgent symptoms are fever above 38°C, rapidly worsening swelling, redness spreading from the site, severe pain that prevents any movement, or numbness and weakness in the limb.
In detail
Studies report that post-injection arthralgia and joint effusion are the most common adverse events, usually mild and self-limited within 72 hours. A corticosteroid flare can cause a few hours to a day of increased pain. Hyaluronic acid and PRP tend to have less flare.
Infection (septic arthritis) is rare but serious; it presents with fever, hot swollen joint, and severe pain on movement. Bleeding into the joint (haemarthrosis) can cause tense swelling and pain, more likely if blood thinners were not paused.
Nerve injury is very rare with ultrasound guidance because the needle is visualised. Allergic reaction to the injectate would show as rash, itching or breathing difficulty soon after the injection.
A common belief
Patients sometimes ignore a hot swollen joint thinking it is a flare.
What actually happens
A septic joint needs urgent treatment. Know the difference: flare improves with rest; infection gets worse fast.
Your next step at Jaipur Hospital
Rest the joint for 24 hours. Apply a cold pack for comfort. Take paracetamol if allowed.
If you develop any urgent symptom — fever, spreading redness, tense swelling, inability to move the joint, or new numbness — go to the 24×7 emergency department at Jaipur Hospital immediately. Do not wait for an OPD appointment. For routine follow-up, the surgeon typically reviews you at two to four weeks.
FAQ library
Questions and answers about non-surgical orthopaedic treatment
When you contact us
Consult our orthopaedic team in Jaipur
Visit Jaipur Hospital to discuss your joint pain and evaluate non-surgical injection options.
- A consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon in the OPD
- Your scans and reports reviewed, with tests done in-house if you need them (laboratory, X-ray and imaging)
- Your options explained in plain words, including whether you need surgery at all
- A cost estimate before you decide
- Help with cashless treatment under RGHS, MAA Yojana, CGHS and empanelled insurers and TPAs
- Follow-up visits after your treatment
Overview
Non-surgical Orthopaedic Treatment: what to know
What is joint osteoarthritis and soft tissue pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Cartilage wears away, bones rub together
- Soft tissue problems
- Tendinitis, bursitis, synovitis
Joint pain often happens when the smooth protective cartilage that covers the ends of your bones wears away over time. This condition is called osteoarthritis. It most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as your knees and hips. Healthy joints contain natural fluid that cushions bones and allows them to glide smoothly against each other. When cartilage wears down and joint fluid decreases, your bones rub together, causing swelling, stiffness, and chronic joint pain.
Soft tissue pain can also happen around your joints in muscles, tendons, or fluid cushions called bursae. For example, tendinitis or partial tears in tendons around the shoulder or knee can cause continuous pain during movement. Swelling in the joint lining, called synovitis, or inflammation of bursae, called bursitis, can also make simple movements difficult.
When these conditions develop, daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or lifting items can become painful and hard to manage.
Non-surgical orthopaedic treatment focuses on managing pain and restoring movement without an operation. Many people prefer to try non-surgical options before thinking about major procedures such as joint replacement. At Jaipur Hospital, our surgical team evaluates your condition to see if targeted joint injections can help calm the pain and support joint function.
Symptoms of joint pain and warning signs that need urgent care
- Sudden severe swelling with fever Go to emergency department same day
- Hot, red, tender skin over joint Possible joint infection
- Cannot bear weight or move joint Complete loss of function
- Rapid worsening after injection Seek urgent assessment
Common symptoms of joint wear include deep, aching pain and joint stiffness that interfere with your daily routine. You may notice a crunching or crackling sound inside the joint, which doctors call crepitus. Your joint may feel tender along the joint line when pressed. Swelling or excess fluid inside the joint space, known as joint effusion, can also occur.
Over time, these symptoms can reduce your joint range of motion and weaken surrounding muscles, making it harder to walk or stay active.
In studies, joint symptoms are evaluated across three main areas: pain, stiffness, and physical function. Pain levels are often measured on a visual scale from 0 to 10, where 0 means no pain and 10 means maximal pain.
When joint discomfort continues for 12 weeks or longer with moderate to severe pain, it shows that simple rest has not settled the problem.
Certain warning signs mean you should seek urgent care at an emergency department on the same day:
- Sudden, severe joint swelling accompanied by fever or chills
- Skin over the joint turning hot, red, and tender to touch
- Inability to put any weight on your leg or move the joint at all
- Pain that worsens rapidly after a joint procedure or injection
Jaipur Hospital has a 24×7 emergency department and ambulance service available if you develop sudden joint infection signs or severe distress.
Causes of joint wear and who is at higher risk
- Age over 40
- Body more susceptible to joint changes
- Previous joint injuries
- Sports injuries or cartilage tears
- Repetitive stress
- Heavy work, sports, or kneeling
- Excess body weight
- Adds mechanical load to knees and hips
Joint wear is a degenerative process that develops gradually over many years. The natural shock-absorbing cartilage inside the joint thins out, and the joint loses its natural lubrication. Constant mechanical strain, friction, and mild inflammation inside the joint lining accelerate this wear, leading to steady cartilage damage. Tendons and soft tissues around the joint can also undergo degeneration or small partial tears from repeated strain.
Several factors place individuals at higher risk of joint wear and chronic joint pain:
- Age over 40 years, as the body becomes more susceptible to joint changes over time
- Previous joint injuries, such as sports injuries or cartilage tears
- Repetitive stress on weight-bearing joints from heavy work, sports, or repetitive kneeling
- Excess body weight, which adds ongoing mechanical load to knees and hips
- Mild or moderate early joint degeneration, which can worsen if left unmanaged
Studies show that joint osteoarthritis affects both men and women, with trials reporting female representation of about 61.3% and an average age around 59 years. Knowing these factors helps your surgeon assess how quickly your joint wear is developing.
How joint pain is diagnosed: examination and tests
To understand your joint problem, your surgeon begins with a thorough clinical consultation in the OPD. During the physical examination, the doctor checks your joint range of motion and tests your muscle strength. They will gently press around the joint to identify tenderness along the medial joint line or tendons.
The doctor also checks for swelling, excess fluid inside the joint cavity, and joint sounds such as crepitus during movement.
Imaging tests are routinely used to evaluate the internal condition of your joint.
Weight-bearing X-rays of both knees, taken from the front, side, and patellar views, allow doctors to measure the space between bones and check the alignment of your:
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
Doctors also classify the severity of joint arthritis on a standard grading scale from 1 to 4.
In some cases, magnetic resonance imaging, known as an MRI, is ordered to examine soft tissues and cartilage in detail.
An MRI helps doctors measure the:
- Size
- Depth
- Volume of cartilage defects
It also detects small soft tissue issues, such as partial tendon tears or meniscus damage, that do not show up on plain X-rays. These findings help our surgical team advise the right non-surgical orthopaedic treatment for your condition.
Non-surgical orthopaedic treatment and when surgery is advised
Calms acute inflammation inside the joint and relieves pain in arthritis, bursitis, and synovitis
- Corticosteroid Injection
Injects a gel-like lubricant directly into the joint space to reduce friction and act as a shock absorber
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to treat tendinitis and mild to moderate joint arthritis
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
Uses real-time imaging to place the needle with accuracy into the exact joint cavity or tendon sheath
- Ultrasound Guidance
Most people with joint pain initially try conservative steps, including over-the-counter pain relievers from a chemist, physical therapy exercises, and lifestyle adjustments. When these methods fail to provide adequate relief, targeted joint injections offer an effective non-surgical orthopaedic treatment approach. Injections are usually performed as an outpatient procedure in the clinic, taking about 15 to 20 minutes.
Local anaesthesia is typically used on the skin to keep you comfortable. Relief typically begins in 2 to 7 days, and you are usually advised to rest for 24 hours. A typical injection costs ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per injection in India, depending on the medicine chosen and whether multiple sessions are needed; ask us for an estimate. In private hospital studies across India, average costs for certain joint injections range from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
Several injection techniques are available, and your surgeon will advise which option suits your condition:
- Corticosteroid Injection: Calms acute inflammation inside the joint and relieves pain in arthritis, bursitis, and synovitis.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injection (Viscosupplementation): Injects a gel-like lubricant directly into the joint space to reduce friction and act as a shock absorber. It is given as 1 to 3 weekly shots for knee osteoarthritis.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection: Uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to treat tendinitis and mild to moderate joint arthritis. In clinical trials, PRP injections provided significant pain and functional improvements starting at 2 months and lasting up to 12 months. Patients with less radiographic evidence of arthritis benefit more from PRP.
- Ultrasound Guidance: Uses real-time imaging to place the needle with accuracy into the exact joint cavity or tendon sheath.
Non-surgical treatments are particularly beneficial for individuals who are not yet candidates for surgery. However, when severe arthritis causes advanced bone-on-bone damage, severe deformity, or continuous pain that fails to improve after injections and physical therapy, your surgeon may advise an evaluation for joint replacement surgery.
At Jaipur Hospital, our surgical team reviews your examination and scans carefully to help you decide when non-surgical care is appropriate and when a surgical opinion is necessary.
Preparing for non-surgical orthopaedic injections at Jaipur Hospital
Do
- Discuss blood thinners with your doctor
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Bring an attendant if possible
Before your joint injection, you will typically have an evaluation in the OPD. A thorough consultation with your healthcare provider helps assess your joint condition and treatment goals. Your surgeon will review your medical history and discuss which approach suits your condition. If you have questions about the procedure, you can discuss them during this initial clinic visit.
Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all medicines you take, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the procedure to reduce bleeding risks. You should discuss any medicine changes directly with your doctor. In studies, patients are typically advised to avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a few days before an injection.
Your surgeon may review imaging studies such as X-rays or MRIs to check the affected joint space before treatment. Staying well-hydrated before the procedure can help support overall joint health and may enhance injection effectiveness.
On the day of your visit, wear loose-fitting clothing so your care team can easily reach the injection site. Fasting is not usually required for joint injections given under local anaesthesia. You can bring an attendant with you to the hospital.
Depending on your comfort level, it may be helpful to arrange for someone to drive you home after the outpatient procedure.
How non-surgical orthopaedic injections are done
- Rest in procedure area Skin cleaned under sterile conditions
- Skin numbed with local anaesthetic Injection area numbed
- Needle guided by ultrasound Real-time imaging for accuracy
- Dressing applied, go home Outpatient procedure, no overnight stay
Joint and soft tissue injections are performed as an outpatient procedure in the clinic. This means you do not need an overnight hospital stay. The procedure time typically takes 15 to 20 minutes from start to finish. Our surgical team uses local anaesthesia on the skin over the target joint to numb the injection area.
Several injection techniques are available, and your surgeon will advise which one suits you:
- Corticosteroid Injection: This anti-inflammatory shot is used for conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, and synovitis.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Viscosupplementation): A gel-like substance is placed into the joint space, where it acts as a lubricant and shock absorber to reduce friction and assist movement. This is typically given as 1 to 3 weekly shots for knee osteoarthritis.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection: This technique uses platelets collected from your own blood to address tendonitis or mild arthritis.
- Ultrasound Guidance: Real-time imaging needle guidance allows our surgical team to view needle placement into the joint space or soft tissue target.
On the day of the procedure, you will rest comfortably in the procedure area while your skin is cleaned under sterile conditions. The skin is numbed with a local anaesthetic. Using ultrasound guidance, your surgeon carefully directs the needle to the joint space and delivers the medicine.
Once the injection is complete, a small dressing is applied to the site, and you can typically return home shortly after.
Risks and possible complications of joint injections
- All were joint pain, resolved within 3 days Grade 3 reactions
- Reported in six patients Treatment-related joint pain
- Two patients in active group, one in control group Joint swelling
- 10 out of 12 patients Adverse events in cell therapy group
Injections into joints and soft tissues carry potential risks, although serious problems are uncommon in clinical studies. In a randomised controlled study, adverse events occurred in 10 out of 12 patients in a cell therapy group and 7 out of 12 patients in a control group. Researchers noted that there were no grade 4 or 5 serious adverse events.
In that trial, all grade 3 reactions consisted of joint pain, and these complaints completely disappeared within 3 days. Treatment-related joint pain was reported in six patients, while joint swelling occurred in two patients in the active group and one patient in the control group.
These side effects were managed with intermittent acetaminophen, and no patients had to leave the trial due to adverse events.
Other clinical trials have reported similar findings. In a controlled study, joint pain requiring anti-inflammatory treatment during the first 24 hours after injection was observed in 1 patient in a control group, 3 patients in a low-dose group, and 6 patients in a high-dose group. All of these patients recovered completely without lasting harm.
In another clinical evaluation of knee injections, adverse events were generally mild to moderate. One patient in a hyaluronic acid group did not receive treatment due to an allergy to skin preparation solution during a fat harvest procedure.
In the same trial, two patients in the hyaluronic acid group withdrew: one due to an injection-associated right knee joint infection, and one for an unknown reason. One patient in the comparator group withdrew to undergo joint arthroplasty.
Across multiple studies, tests showed no significant unwanted changes in vital signs, physical examinations, heart tracings, or blood work during follow-up. Researchers found no ectopic tissue formation or major safety concerns. When using platelet-rich plasma, studies note that receiving multiple PRP shots may increase the risk of temporary, self-limited local reactions.
Recovery and aftercare: the first days and weeks
Because this is an outpatient procedure, your recovery begins as soon as you head home. You typically need to rest the treated joint for 24 hours. Most patients notice symptom relief beginning within 2 to 7 days after the injection.
During the first 24 to 48 hours, mild soreness, tightness, or slight swelling can occur around the injection site. Temporary joint pain requiring mild pain relief during the first 24 hours has been observed in clinical trials. In trials, such discomfort subsided within 3 days.
You can use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth over the area if your surgeon approves. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing during the initial days.
Over the following weeks, you can gradually resume your normal daily activities as comfort allows. In clinical studies, patients reported improvements in daily living activities and joint motion over weeks to months. Attending scheduled follow-up visits in the OPD allows your surgeon to monitor your progress.
Contact Jaipur Hospital or visit our 24x7 emergency department if you notice severe joint pain, worsening swelling, spreading redness, warmth around the joint, or a fever, as these may require timely assessment by our medical team.
Results: how well joint injections work in clinical studies
Outcomes after joint injections have been evaluated in numerous clinical trials involving patients with chronic joint pain. In a review of 35 randomised trials with 3,104 patients from 16 countries, the mean patient age was 59.1 years, and 61.3% of participants were female.
Research shows that patients with early degenerative changes on radiographs often show greater benefit from PRP treatment than those with advanced wear.
In studies measuring knee osteoarthritis relief, pain scores and physical function showed notable improvements over several months. In one study of patients receiving intra-articular injections, significant improvements were seen at 1 month, and benefits continued at 6 and 12 months.
In another randomised study of mild to moderate knee arthritis, PRP injections provided pain relief during daily activities for at least 12 months. In that trial, improvements started around 2 months and remained through 12 months of follow-up.
In an evaluation of shoulder tendon injuries, PRP injections produced greater reductions in pain and disability compared to dry needling from six weeks up to six months.
For hyaluronic acid, a gel that lubricates the joint space, clinical studies show improvements in pain and joint movement at 6 and 12 months. However, study findings differ depending on the type of injection used. For instance, one study found that corticosteroid injections resulted in lower complete recovery or improvement at 1 year compared with placebo injections.
In addition, clinical studies note that it remains unclear whether using multiple PRP shots or particular preparation methods yields superior outcomes. Your surgeon will discuss what study findings mean for your specific joint issue.
Cost of non-surgical orthopaedic injections and insurance in Jaipur
At Jaipur Hospital, the typical price for joint injections ranges from ₹3,000 to ₹12,000 per injection. This reflects a typical range in India. For comparison, published figures from hospital networks in India note that the average cost of hyaluronic acid joint injections ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
The final cost for your care depends on the specific injection chosen by your surgeon, whether you receive a single shot or a series of weekly injections, and whether bilateral joints are treated.
You can ask us directly for an estimate based on your recommended treatment plan. Any needed prescription medicines can be collected from our in-house chemist.
Coverage for outpatient joint injections depends on your specific insurance policy or government healthcare scheme.
Jaipur Hospital is empanelled under:
- RGHS
- MAA Yojana
- CGHS
- A panel of private insurers and TPAs
If you are using health insurance or an approved scheme, speak with our hospital administrative desk to check your pre-authorisation rules, co-payment terms, and policy guidelines before your appointment.