In-Office Joint Injections
Shoulder & Knee Injections in Glendale, AZ
Not every painful joint needs surgery. For shoulder and knee pain from arthritis, bursitis, or tendon inflammation, a corticosteroid injection performed in the office may calm inflammation and relieve pain for weeks to months, often long enough to make physical therapy productive and daily life comfortable again. Dr. James MacKenzie performs corticosteroid injections of the shoulder and knee at his Glendale, Arizona office as part of a complete, surgery-last approach to joint care.
Why patients choose Dr. MacKenzie
- Board-certified orthopedic surgeon
- Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS)
- Johns Hopkins residency, sports medicine fellowship
- Former assistant team physician, Miami Dolphins & Miami Heat
- Nonsurgical options first, surgery only when needed
- Se habla español
What a Corticosteroid Injection Does
A corticosteroid is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. Injected directly into an inflamed joint, bursa, or tendon sheath, usually with a local anesthetic, it is designed to reduce swelling and pain at the source. Relief often begins within a few days and can last for several weeks to a few months. It does not repair worn cartilage or a torn tendon, but it may help break a cycle of pain and stiffness and buy time.
Conditions Injections May Help
- Shoulder: osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis, frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), and AC joint arthritis.
- Knee: osteoarthritis and bursitis, including flares that make walking and stairs painful.
What to Expect at Your Visit
The injection takes only a few minutes. The skin is cleaned, the joint or bursa is located by anatomy, and the medication is injected. You can go home right away and return to normal activities the same day, though strenuous use of the joint is best avoided for a day or two. Some patients notice a brief increase in soreness for 24 to 48 hours before relief begins. Diabetic patients may see a temporary rise in blood sugar and should monitor accordingly.
How Often Can I Have an Injection?
Occasional injections are generally safe. Frequent repeated injections into the same joint may weaken tissue over time, so Dr. MacKenzie spaces them thoughtfully, typically no more than a few times per year in one joint, and talks with you about longer-term options when a joint keeps needing them. For advanced arthritis, that conversation may include shoulder replacement or knee replacement.
Risks
Risks of corticosteroid injections are low but include infection, a temporary flare of pain, skin discoloration or thinning at the injection site, elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients, and, with repeated use, weakening of tendons or cartilage. Dr. MacKenzie reviews these with you before the injection. Individual results vary.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t see your question here? Our team is happy to help.
How long does a cortisone shot last?
Relief commonly lasts several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition and the joint. Some patients get longer relief, particularly when the injection is combined with physical therapy.
Do cortisone shots hurt?
Many patients describe brief pressure or a sting. The injection includes a local anesthetic, and the whole procedure takes only a few minutes.
Can I drive after a knee or shoulder injection?
Usually. Many patients drive themselves home and return to normal activities the same day.
Will an injection fix my arthritis?
No. Injections relieve inflammation and pain but do not restore cartilage. They are one part of a plan that may also include therapy, activity changes, and, for advanced arthritis, joint replacement.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. MacKenzie
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.