11 August 2025
Joint Injections for Pain Relief: Steroid, HA, and PRP Explained
Learn how joint injections help with knee and joint pain. Compare steroid injections, hyaluronic acid (HA), and PRP therapy for arthritis and recovery with Dr. Abhijit Kale in Mumbai.
Joint injections are an effective way to manage pain when medications, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes are not enough—but surgery isn't yet required. They act as a bridge between conservative care and surgical options, helping patients stay active and functional.
Options at a Glance
There are three commonly used joint injections in orthopaedic care:
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Corticosteroid Injections
- Provide quick relief by reducing inflammation in the joint.
- Best for sudden arthritis flares or swelling that interferes with sleep and mobility.
- Relief usually begins within 2–5 days and can last several weeks.
-
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injections
- Act as a lubricant and shock absorber, restoring fluidity inside the joint.
- Particularly helpful in knee osteoarthritis to improve comfort during walking or climbing stairs.
- Effects typically build over 2–4 weeks and may last up to 6 months.
-
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
- Uses your own blood, processed to concentrate healing growth factors.
- Helps modulate inflammation and may promote cartilage health.
- Benefits appear gradually over 4–6 weeks with potential longer-term improvement.
Who Benefits Most
Joint injections are most useful for patients with:
- Symptomatic osteoarthritis who want to remain active while delaying surgery
- Inflammatory flares (e.g., severe swelling or stiffness affecting sleep or daily activities)
- Activity goals such as returning to work, exercise, or physiotherapy with reduced pain
💡 Injections are not a cure—they provide a window of relief to allow strengthening, weight management, and activity modification.
What to Expect
- Relief timeline:
- Steroid → within days
- HA → gradual improvement over weeks
- PRP → progressive improvement over weeks to months
- Best outcomes: Combine injections with physiotherapy, muscle strengthening, and weight control.
- Procedure: Performed in-clinic, usually taking 15–30 minutes. Most patients return home the same day with minimal downtime.
Why Choose Dr. Abhijit Kale for Joint Injections?
At Orthoplanet, Mumbai, Dr. Kale ensures joint injections are performed with precision and patient comfort:
- Expert assessment to decide whether steroid, HA, or PRP is best for your stage of arthritis
- Advanced techniques (including ultrasound-guided injections when required) for accuracy
- Holistic care: Injections are paired with physiotherapy and lifestyle strategies for long-term results
Explore: Joint Injections • Physiotherapy • Contact to book your consultation with Dr. Abhijit Kale in Mumbai.
FAQs
How long do steroid injections last?
Relief can last from a few weeks to 2–3 months, depending on arthritis severity and activity level.
Is PRP better than steroid injections?
PRP offers slower but more natural, longer-lasting improvement. Steroids are best for quick relief of flares. The choice depends on your condition and goals.
Are joint injections painful?
Most patients describe them as mildly uncomfortable. Local anaesthetic is often used, and discomfort usually resolves quickly.
Can injections delay knee replacement surgery?
Yes. By reducing pain and improving function, injections can help patients postpone surgery while maintaining activity levels.
Takeaway: Steroid, HA, and PRP injections each play a role in managing arthritis and joint pain. With Dr. Abhijit Kale's expertise in Mumbai, you'll receive the right injection at the right time—combined with rehab for lasting results.