Osteoarthritis & Joint Injections

OSTEOARTHRITIS AND JOINT INJECTIONS

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and a leading cause of joint pain and stiffness, particularly in older adults. It can affect any joint, but is especially common in the knees, hips, hands, feet, spine and shoulders.

Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears away. As the joint loses its smooth surface, bone may rub against bone, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness and pain. The surrounding tissues — including the synovial lining, joint capsule, ligaments and small postural muscles — can become sensitised and contribute to ongoing discomfort and reduced mobility.

INJECTIONS AS PART OF A BROADER TREATMENT PLAN

Injections can be an important part of managing osteoarthritis, particularly when pain is interfering with daily life, sleep, or progress in rehabilitation. However, injections work best when used alongside other therapies — including physiotherapy, osteopathy, strength rehabilitation, and weight management.

Dr Tom Jenkins works closely with trusted local professionals to ensure that joint injections are used not as an isolated fix, but to support a holistic and active recovery plan. Pain relief from an injection can often open a critical window for making progress with movement, function, and strength.

In some patients, particularly those who are elderly, who wish to avoid surgery, or whose general health makes them unsuitable for operative treatment, joint injections can be a lifeline — helping to reduce pain, maintain independence, and delay or avoid more invasive interventions.

Expert Injection Skills in Difficult Areas

Dr Jenkins has over 25 years of experience in musculoskeletal medicine and has developed particular expertise in difficult-to-perform joint and soft tissue injections, including many areas not routinely treated by non-specialist clinicians.

He offers ultrasound-guided and landmark-guided injections into:

Shoulder and acromioclavicular joint
Elbow joint and wrist
Carpal tunnel (for median nerve compression)
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Finger joints (e.g., PIP, DIP joints)
Outer hip (trochanteric bursitis / gluteal tendinopathy)
Knee (including patellofemoral joint and joint line injections)
Ankle and foot joints
Toe joints

This level of skill ensures that even small or anatomically challenging joints can be treated effectively, especially where imaging guidance is not always available or necessary.

TYPES OF INJECTIONS OFFERED

STEROID (CORTICOSTEROID) INJECTIONS

Steroid injections contain a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine (corticosteroid) and are commonly used to reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness in osteoarthritic joints. They are often most helpful during flare-ups or when pain is limiting progress in physical therapy.

Injected directly into the joint, usually under sterile conditions with anatomical precision, steroid injections can:

Provide rapid pain relief
Reduce inflammation and swelling
Help improve sleep and mobility
Facilitate progress in rehabilitation

Relief can last from a few weeks to several months, depending on the joint, severity of arthritis, and level of activity.

HYALURONIC ACID INJECTIONS

Hyaluronic acid injections, also known as viscosupplementation, aim to restore the natural cushioning and lubrication in joints — particularly the knee.

Osteoarthritis often leads to a thinning of natural hyaluronic acid in the joint. Injecting a purified form can help:

Improve joint lubrication
Reduce pain on movement
Support mobility and function
Delay the need for surgery

These injections may take a few weeks to reach full effect but can offer relief lasting several months in suitable patients.

If you are living with joint pain and looking for safe, effective, and expertly delivered injection therapy, Dr Jenkins offers a detailed consultation and treatment plan tailored to your condition and goals. Whether you’re managing long-standing arthritis, recovering from injury, or avoiding surgery, there may be options to help you move forward.

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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN INJECTION?

Injections are performed using the smallest suitable needles to ensure minimal discomfort.
Local anaesthetic is available to ensure a virtually painless procedure.

BENEFITS OF JOINT INJECTION?

Rapid and significant pain relief.
Enhanced mobility and reduced reliance on pain medication.
Ability to participate more actively in physiotherapy and daily life.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH JOINT INJECTIONS

Mild discomfort or temporary pain at the injection site.
Small risk of infection, easily managed with sterile technique.
Rarely, allergic reactions or temporary increases in pain or swelling.

PATIENT TESTIMONIAL

“My mother had been struggling to get about the house and do even simple tasks. Dr Jenkins came out and visited my mother. His injections to her severely arthritic finger joints and shoulders have transformed her. She is much happier, comfortable, and able to get on with her life.”