Joint/Bursa Injections

What are Joint and Bursa Injections?

Joint and bursa injections are minimally invasive treatments used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility in patients suffering from arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, Dr. Edward Shen performs precision-guided joint and bursa injections to accurately target the source of pain and inflammation. These injections are designed to help patients achieve lasting relief while avoiding unnecessary surgery whenever possible.

Dr. Edward Shen is a Harvard-educated, double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and serves as Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. He performs joint and bursa injections using live ultrasound guidance so the medication reaches the precise joint or bursa causing your pain with accuracy and safety.

Frequent Causes of Joint and Bursa Inflammation

Healthy joints and bursae help the body move smoothly and comfortably. However, inflammation within these structures can make even simple daily activities painful.

Several conditions may contribute to joint pain and bursitis, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Degenerative joint disease
• Overuse injuries
• Trauma or falls
• Age-related wear and tear

Common Symptoms of Joint and Bursa Conditions

Patients experiencing inflammation of the joints or bursae may develop symptoms that interfere with mobility and quality of life.

Symptoms may include:

• Chronic joint pain
• Swelling around the joint
• Joint stiffness
• Pain during movement
• Reduced range of motion
• Tenderness near the joint
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Shoulder pain
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Muscle tightness around the affected joint

If symptoms continue despite rest, medications, or physical therapy, joint and bursa injections may help reduce inflammation and improve function.

Areas Treated with Joint & Bursa Injections

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, joint and bursa injections may be used to treat pain affecting:

• Shoulder joints
• Hip joints
• Knee joints
• Elbow joints
• Hand joints
• Wrist joints
• Ankle joints
• Foot joints
• Sacroiliac joints
• Subacromial bursa
• Trochanteric bursa
• Knee bursae

Treatment recommendations are customized based on each patient’s condition, symptoms, and activity level.

Benefits of Joint & Bursa Injections

Joint and bursa injections provide a non-surgical option for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Decreased joint pain and swelling
• Improved flexibility and mobility
• Enhanced participation in physical therapy
• Faster return to daily activities
• Improved athletic performance and recovery
• Reduced dependence on oral pain medications
• Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
• Delayed or avoided surgery

Many patients experience significant improvement in comfort and movement following treatment.

Orthopedic Care for Joint & Bursa Pain

Joint and bursa injections are part of the orthopedic and interventional pain care offered at Spine and Pain Specialty Care. Dr. Shen uses live ultrasound guidance to target the exact joint or inflamed bursa causing your pain, delivering the medication precisely where it is needed within our dedicated in-office procedure suite.

When Should You See a Pain Management Specialist?

Persistent joint pain should not be ignored, especially when symptoms interfere with work, exercise, sleep, or daily activities.

You may benefit from evaluation by a New Jersey pain management specialist if you experience:

• Chronic joint pain
• Swelling or stiffness
• Recurrent bursitis
• Pain during movement
• Limited range of motion
• Joint pain not responding to conservative care

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Espanol – our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Personalized Joint Pain Treatment in Elizabeth, NJ

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, we specialize in minimally invasive treatments for chronic joint pain, bursitis, and musculoskeletal inflammation. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases.

If you are suffering from chronic joint pain, bursitis, or inflammation that limits your daily activities, joint and bursa injections may help relieve pain and restore movement.

Call (908) 818-1600 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edward Shen and learn whether joint or bursa injections are right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis – including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging – and treatment in a single visit, so you can start getting relief without waiting.

Which joints and bursae can be treated?

A wide range, including the shoulder, hip, knee, elbow, hand, wrist, foot, ankle, and sacroiliac joints, as well as common bursae such as the subacromial and trochanteric bursa. Dr. Shen uses live ultrasound guidance to reach each target accurately.

How long does relief from a joint or bursa injection last?

Relief is individual. The goal is to resolve the inflammation behind your pain, not just quiet it temporarily. Many patients experience lasting relief, and the injection can be safely repeated if needed.

Why does image guidance matter for these injections?

Placing the medication in exactly the right spot makes the treatment more effective and more comfortable. Dr. Shen uses live ultrasound guidance so the injection reaches the precise joint or inflamed bursa rather than the surrounding tissue.

Do you treat joint pain from a car accident or work injury?

Yes. Dr. Shen regularly treats joint and soft-tissue injuries from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation, handling the documentation these claims require.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: Arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, degenerative joint disease, and chronic shoulder, hip, and knee pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Espanol)
Phone: (908) 818-1600