Joint pain can significantly interfere with your ability to stay active, work comfortably, and enjoy everyday life. One of the most common causes of joint pain is osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative condition that leads to stiffness, inflammation, and reduced mobility. When rest, medications, physical therapy, and other conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, joint injections may offer an effective next step in managing discomfort and restoring function.
At Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, Nathan Perrizo, DO, brings advanced subspecialty training in Pain Medicine and extensive experience in image-guided procedures to patients in Oceanside and Encinitas. With a background in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and fellowship training in Interventional Pain Management at UCLA, Dr. Perrizo combines precision-based techniques with a compassionate, patient-centered approach—making him and his experienced team a trusted choice for joint pain treatment in North County San Diego.
What Are Joint Injections?
Joint injections are targeted treatments that help ease inflammation, reduce discomfort, and restore smoother joint movement. They are commonly used for osteoarthritis, a condition in which the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones gradually wears away. As cartilage deteriorates, bones can rub against each other, causing irritation, inflammation, and pain.
Two of the most frequently used joint injection therapies include:
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroids are medications formulated to imitate cortisol, a hormone the body naturally produces in the adrenal glands. When injected directly into an arthritic joint, corticosteroids work to reduce inflammation and irritation within the joint space.
The primary goal of a corticosteroid injection is to calm the inflammation caused by bone-on-bone contact that occurs when cartilage wears down, often leading to meaningful pain relief and improved joint movement.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Another injection option for certain joints affected by osteoarthritis is hyaluronic acid. In healthy joints, synovial fluid provides lubrication and acts as a shock absorber, and a key component of this fluid is hyaluronic acid.
In osteoarthritic joints, hyaluronic acid breaks down, contributing to stiffness and discomfort. Injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint may help restore lubrication and improve mobility, particularly in patients who have not responded adequately to conservative therapies.
The Benefits of Joint Injections
Joint injections offer several advantages for patients seeking non-surgical pain relief:
- Targeted treatment delivered directly to the source of pain
- Reduced inflammation and swelling
- Improved joint mobility and function
- Potential delay or avoidance of surgery
- Minimal downtime compared to more invasive procedures
At Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, injections are often performed using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. This advanced imaging allows Dr. Perrizo to accurately place medication within the joint for optimal effectiveness.
Is Joint Injection Therapy Right for You?
Joint injections may be appropriate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
- Experience persistent joint pain despite conservative treatment
- Have stiffness that limits daily activities
- Want to avoid or delay surgical intervention
During your consultation, Dr. Perrizo will conduct a thorough evaluation, review imaging if necessary, and discuss your treatment goals. Because he specializes in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, his approach focuses not just on pain relief, but on improving overall function and quality of life.
Why Choose Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants for Joint Injections?
Nathan Perrizo, DO, is board-certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with subspecialty certification in Pain Medicine, providing specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating joint pain. He completed his residency at UCLA, followed by a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management, where he trained under internationally recognized leaders in advanced pain procedures.
At Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants, joint injections are performed using fluoroscopic or ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety. Dr. Perrizo’s advanced procedural training and commitment to evidence-based care allow patients in Oceanside and Encinitas to receive targeted, high-quality treatment designed to reduce pain and improve joint function.
Joint Injection Therapy in Oceanside, CA
If joint pain is limiting your lifestyle, the team at Pacific Pain Medicine Consultants is here to help. With a primary location in Oceanside, CA, and a secondary office in Encinitas, CA, the practice provides expert evaluation and advanced joint injection therapies tailored to your needs.
To learn more about joint injections or to take the next step toward relief, call 760-753-1104 and schedule a consultation today.
