What Are the Main Orthopedic Injection Types and Which Works Best?
Orthopedic injections are one of the most common non-surgical treatments for joint pain, especially for osteoarthritis, which affects more than four million Canadians according to Arthritis Society Canada. Several types exist, and each acts differently: some calm inflammation quickly, others restore lubrication over the longer term. Understanding these differences helps patients and clinicians choose the right option.
Understanding Orthopedic Injections
An orthopedic injection delivers a product directly into a joint, a bursa or the tissue around a tendon. Because the product acts where it is needed, the dose can be smaller and the effect more targeted than with oral medication. The choice of product depends on the diagnosis, the joint, the severity of symptoms and the patient’s goals.
The Main Orthopedic Injection Types
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatories. They often relieve pain within a few days and are used for osteoarthritis flares, bursitis, tendinitis and inflammatory joint conditions. Their effect generally lasts a few weeks to a few months. Because repeated injections at short intervals may affect cartilage, their number is limited each year.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of joint fluid. In osteoarthritis, its concentration and quality decrease. Viscosupplementation restores lubrication and cushioning in the joint. Relief appears more gradually, over a few weeks, but can last up to six months or longer in suitable patients. In Canada, options include single-injection products such as MONOVISC®, DUROLANE® and SYNVISC-ONE®, and multi-injection protocols such as ORTHOVISC® and SYNVISC®.
Combination Products: Hyaluronic Acid + Corticosteroid
CINGAL® combines cross-linked hyaluronic acid and triamcinolone hexacetonide in a single injection. It aims to provide the early relief of a corticosteroid together with the longer-lasting lubrication of hyaluronic acid.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, centrifuged to concentrate platelets and their growth factors. It is used for some tendon conditions and osteoarthritis. Results vary between preparations and protocols, and improvement is gradual over several weeks.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy involves injecting an irritant solution, often dextrose, near ligaments or tendons to stimulate a local healing response. It usually requires several sessions, and the evidence supporting it remains more limited than for corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid.
What About Stem Cell Injections?
Stem cell therapies for joint conditions are not authorized by Health Canada for routine clinical use; they are only available within authorized clinical trials. Health Canada has warned the public about clinics offering unauthorized cell therapies.
How to Choose the Right Injection Type
- For fast relief of an inflammatory flare: a corticosteroid.
- For longer-lasting relief of osteoarthritis: a hyaluronic acid viscosupplement.
- For fast and longer-lasting relief in a single injection: a combination product.
- For certain tendon conditions or active patients who prefer a biological approach: PRP, depending on the clinician’s assessment.
The choice is made after an examination and, often, imaging. Our article on eligibility criteria explains how clinicians decide, and our guide on which injection works fastest compares their speed of action.
What to Expect During the Procedure
The skin is disinfected, a local anaesthetic may be used and the product is injected, often under ultrasound guidance. The procedure takes a few minutes, and the patient usually goes home shortly afterwards. See our guide to preparing for an orthopedic injection.
Recovery and Aftercare Tips
Rest the joint for 24 to 48 hours, apply ice and avoid baths, hot tubs and pools for at least 48 hours. Light activities generally resume the next day, and more intense activities over one to two weeks. Our post-injection care guide covers every step.
Longevity and Maintenance of Results
Corticosteroid relief lasts a few weeks to a few months, viscosupplements often several months, and PRP results vary. Physiotherapy, regular low-impact exercise and a healthy weight help extend the benefit. Clinics can compare all products in our orthopedic injections category.
References
Novant Health. (2024, April 16). 3 key orthopedic injections: Steroid, gel hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma. Novant Health. https://www.novanthealth.org/healthy-headlines/3-key-orthopedic-injections-steroid-gel-hyaluronic-acid-and-platelet-rich-plasma
Spire Healthcare. (2023, September 10). Joint injections for osteoarthritis: What are the different types? Spire Healthcare. https://www.spirehealthcare.com/health-hub/specialties/bones-and-joints/joint-injections-for-osteoarthritis-what-are-the-differe
Delmarva Pain & Interventional Spine. (n.d.). 4 different types of pain-relieving joint injections. Delmarva Pain.
https://www.delmarvapain.com/blog/4-different-types-of-pain-relieving-joint-injections
Orthopedic Institute SF. (n.d.). 5 common injections for treating orthopedic conditions. Orthopedic Institute SF. https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/5-common-injections-for-treating-orthopedic-conditions/
Mass General Brigham. (2025, April 20). Types of injections that can help with joint pain. Mass General Brigham.
