Understanding the Different Types of Injections

If you have chronic pain in your hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder, everyday activities feel impossible. That scenario is all too common thanks to arthritis, tendon issues, and overuse injuries.

The good news is that various injections can stop (or at least mitigate) your chronic pain and get you moving freely again.

Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Yuan Tien offer injections at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services to help you manage pain and reduce inflammation, but not all injections are the same. 

Here, we explain the different types of injections, how they work, and when you might benefit from each one.

Refresher on injections

Injections deliver medication directly to the source of your pain. Because injections work locally — right where the pain originates — they can offer faster, more precise relief than oral medications.

Injections for joint pain

In terms of orthopedic treatments, Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien use injections to relieve joint discomfort. Often, the target medication can also support healing and make it easier for you to participate in physical therapy or your daily routine. 

Injections for tendon pain

In addition to joint pain, injections can also help treat tendon injuries. Tendons are tough fibers that connect your bones to your muscles, and they are prone to overuse injuries.

If you’re dealing with tendon-related conditions — tendinitis, tennis elbow, or rotator cuff irritation, to name a few — your Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provider may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 

Injections for sports injuries

We may also recommend injections as part of your sports injury treatment plan.

Types of injections offered at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services

At Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services, you have access to several injection options. Our team recommends the most suitable option based on the severity of your condition and your symptoms.

Cortisone injections

Cortisone injections contain a corticosteroid (a type of steroid medication) and a local anesthetic. Corticosteroids are a class of medication that mimics one of your body’s natural hormones, glucocorticoids. For this reason, you may hear these referred to as glucocorticoid injections or even just cortisone shots.

They help reduce pain and inflammation in specific joints, such as the hands, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, or shoulders.

This type of injection is particularly effective for flare-ups of arthritis or tendonitis. They provide quick and reliable relief that can last for months.

Steroid injections

All cortisone injections are steroid injections, but not all steroid injections are cortisone. We may use other types of steroids, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, depending on your needs. 

These injections can help relieve pain caused by arthritis, back pain, hand pain, shoulder pain, or wrist pain. Steroid injections can also help manage hand conditions, such as trigger finger, because they calm inflammation, improve mobility, and make it easier to resume activities without discomfort.

What to expect during treatment

Before your injection,  Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien discuss the details of the procedure so you know exactly what to expect. Depending on the type and location of your injection, they may use X-ray or ultrasound imaging to confirm the precise placement of the medication. 

The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour. You can expect a short observation period before you head home.

What to expect after your injection

Some people notice improvement immediately, while others experience relief over the next few days. The team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services schedules follow-up appointments to track your progress and can repeat injections as needed.

Are injections right for you?

If pain is limiting your daily activities, it’s time to explore your options. 

Call our Visalia, Porterville, Reedley, or Tulare, California, office. You can also click here to schedule an appointment.