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Joint injections at LAOSS.

Precision-based injections to relieve inflammation and restore mobility in shoulder, knee, hip, hand, and other joints. Performed in-office, often under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy.

Image-guided joint injection (cortisone or hyaluronic acid): minimally invasive in-office procedure at Los Angeles Orthopedic Surgery Specialists

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Board-certified surgeons and podiatrists across eight Los Angeles area neighborhoods.

Book a visitOr call (323) 264-7600

Key takeaways

  • Image-guided steroid or anesthetic injection directly into the joint.
  • Common joints treated: shoulder, knee, hip, hand, wrist, ankle.
  • Quick: most injections take 5 to 10 minutes; you go home the same hour.
  • Can relieve arthritic and inflammatory joint pain and may help delay surgery.

About joint injections

Joint injections are part of the orthopedic care we offer at LAOSS. Below, we walk through the anatomy involved, who benefits from this procedure, what it looks like at our clinics, and the recovery and risk considerations to weigh.

Our specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

Watch: HYALGAN® Injection for Knee Pain (Ultrasound Guided)

This is an injection of a medicine called HYALGAN. It's delivered directly into your knee joint. It helps with the pain of osteoarthritis.

Animations licensed from ViewMedica · Swarm Interactive
Anatomical illustration of a joint showing cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding muscle
General orthopedic anatomy: joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscle.

Inside the musculoskeletal system.

Most musculoskeletal pain comes from bone, cartilage, a ligament or tendon, muscle, or a nerve. The right care starts with the right diagnosis.

When joint injections are the right call.

Common symptoms

  • Chronic joint pain that hasn't responded to first-line care
  • Imaging confirming a structural cause we can target
  • Diagnostic injection or block that produced meaningful relief
  • Patients trying to avoid or delay surgery
  • Failed prior non-surgical attempts

Common causes

  • Adults of all ages with chronic, well-localized pain
  • Patients whose imaging and exam point to a clear structural source
  • Patients who can't have or want to avoid surgery

What a joint injection looks like

Most joint injections are done right in the office. You arrive, get prepped, the procedure itself takes a defined window, and you go home the same day with clear post-procedure instructions and a follow-up scheduled.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Pre-procedure visit: we review your imaging, confirm candidacy, and answer every question
  • Day of the injection: the skin is cleaned and numbed, ultrasound or X-ray guidance is used when it helps accuracy, and the injection itself takes 5 to 10 minutes
  • Same-day discharge: most patients head home within an hour of the procedure
  • Follow-up: scheduled to track relief, adjust the plan, and decide on next steps

Orthopedic care, conservative-first.

We start with the least-invasive option that fits, and escalate only when it doesn't.

Conservative care
Step 1

Conservative care first

Non-surgical options designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and avoid the OR when possible.

  • Physical therapy and focused strengthening
  • Activity modification and bracing
  • Anti-inflammatory medication, by mouth or as a gel
  • Steroid (cortisone) injections
  • Hyaluronic acid (gel) injections for knee arthritis
  • PRP injections for selected conditions
Surgical care
When needed

Surgical options when needed

Minimally invasive and reconstructive procedures performed by board-certified orthopedic surgeons.

  • Arthroscopy for selected problems inside the joint
  • Tendon or ligament repair when a tear is the source of pain
  • Partial joint replacement
  • Total joint replacement when arthritis is advanced

Why experience matters.

Why experience matters

Orthopedic care is highly technique-dependent. Volume, training, and judgment together determine the outcome you feel six months later.

  • Precise diagnosis from imaging and exam
  • Conservative-first care that avoids unnecessary surgery
  • Technique refined over thousands of cases
  • On-site imaging + coordinated PT through your in-network provider

The LAOSS approach

Our orthopedic specialists move stepwise: start with the least-invasive option that fits, escalate only when it doesn't.

  • Same-day imaging at most offices
  • PT coordinated in your insurance network
  • Board-certified specialists performing the procedures themselves
  • Direct access to your specialist between visits

Am I a candidate?

If most of these match your situation, an evaluation with a orthopedic specialist is the next step.

You may be

You may be a candidate if

These signs typically point toward this procedure being a good fit.

  • Persistent joint pain that hasn't responded to PT, medication, or activity modification
  • Imaging confirming the structural source we can target
  • A diagnostic block or trial that gave you meaningful relief
  • You're not ready or able to have surgery
  • You want to delay or avoid joint replacement
Evaluation

What evaluation includes

Your first visit is built to give you an answer the same day, not just another referral.

  • Detailed history: onset, mechanism, what makes it better or worse
  • Hands-on exam focused on the affected joint or region
  • On-site imaging at most offices (X-ray, ultrasound)
  • Clear plan with options ranging from conservative to surgical
  • Same-day or next-day scheduling for any follow-up tests

ImportantSeek urgent evaluation for sudden severe pain, numbness, progressive weakness, or any sign of infection (fever, increasing redness or swelling).

Your orthopedic recovery roadmap.

Recovery is rarely a straight line, but a clear plan with measurable milestones makes the path predictable.

  1. Days 0 to 14

    Right after care

    In the first two weeks we focus on protecting the affected area, calming inflammation, and restoring basic motion.

    • Activity modification with clear do/don't guidance
    • Ice, elevation, and pain control as needed
    • Gentle range-of-motion within safe limits
    • Follow-up scheduled to track healing
  2. Weeks 2 to 8

    Rehabilitation

    Targeted physical therapy rebuilds strength, mobility, and confidence in the affected area.

    • Progressive strengthening and neuromuscular work
    • Manual therapy and soft-tissue treatment
    • Sport- or job-specific movement re-training
    • Coordinated PT through your in-network provider
  3. Months 2+

    Long-term care

    Once function is restored, the focus shifts to keeping you there, and catching any recurrence early.

    • Return-to-activity plan with measured benchmarks
    • Home program tailored to your sport or job
    • Maintenance visits or imaging if symptoms change
    • Direct line back to your specialist if needed
Risks & considerations

What to weigh before you decide.

We talk through the risks and benefits with every patient. Informed consent is a conversation, not a form.

General

General considerations

Every orthopedic intervention carries a small set of standard risks. We screen, prepare, and monitor for these on every patient.

  • Infection (rare with modern technique and prophylaxis)
  • Bleeding or bruising at the treatment site
  • Reaction to anesthesia or medications
  • Need for additional procedures in some cases
Specific

Treatment-specific considerations

Some risks are tied to the structures we're treating. We discuss these in detail at your visit so you can weigh them against the benefits.

  • Temporary stiffness or weakness during recovery
  • Incomplete pain relief in a small percentage of cases
  • Nerve or vessel irritation near the treatment area
  • Need for follow-up therapy to fully restore function

Meet our orthopedic specialists

At LAOSS, our orthopedic specialists are board-certified and treat these problems every day. From minimally invasive techniques to coordinating your rehab, our physicians bring decades of experience to every case. We have cared for Los Angeles patients since 2007, with one goal for each: less pain, better movement, and a return to the activities you love.

Specialists, not generalists.

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Compare up to 33 providers
  • Accepting new patients

    Jose Antonio Acosta, MD

    Pain Management & Rehabilitation

    Speaks English and Spanish

    Habla español

    • Glendale
    • Encino
    • Valencia
    • +1 more
  • Accepting new patients

    Raj Desai, MD

    Pain Management & Rehabilitation

    • East Los Angeles
  • Accepting new patients

    Jason Kaushik, MD

    Pain Management & Rehabilitation

    • East Los Angeles

Reliable joint injection care starts here

With same- or next-day appointments at eight Los Angeles-area offices, you'll never wait weeks or months for answers. Whether you need physical therapy, injections, or surgery, we plan it with you and coordinate each step.

Call or schedule online today to see an orthopedic specialist in Los Angeles.

Find care by body area.

Jump to a nearby condition page and compare treatment paths across the body.

From our Google reviews

What patients say

Read all 9,626 reviews on Google
  • “Doctor Barba is the best orthopedist. I have been seeing him for the second year and I'm happy because my knees are much better after the injections which he have made. The staff of office also are very professional.”

    Elena E.Google reviewWilshireDec 2025

  • “quick and well-organized office. the PA matt lee was nice and explained everything well. I got a cortisone shot, and it didn't hurt at all!”

    Keli G.Google reviewGlendaleMar 2026

  • “Dr stepanyan has been very helpful. I had injection and it helped my pain alot. I will keep coming to him!”

    J C.Google reviewMar 2026

  • “The staff were so friendly, waiting period is not so long, clean sorroundings and assistant Jonathan, who performed the injection on my left knee knows what he’s doing therefore I am recommending him to my friends, family and colleagues. Thank you.”

    Ramon Z.Google reviewWilshireJul 2025

Selected 5-star reviews from Google, shown as written. Individual results vary.

Joint injections: FAQ.

  • The local anesthetic provides immediate (a few hours) relief. The steroid component begins working over 2 to 7 days and can last weeks to months.

Book a visit at LAOSS.

Same-week appointments available across eight Los Angeles-area offices.

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21 specialists · 8 offices
Greater Los Angeles
On-site X-raySame visit
Most insurers acceptedIn-network
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