Joints can become painful due to arthritis of the spine, a back injury or mechanical stress of the back. Joint injections can be given in the following areas: knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, and ankle. The Interventional Radiologist identifies swelling or inflammation within the joints by the results of an MRI and/or clinical exam. The Interventional Radiologist will use x-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) to direct a very small needle into the joint. A small mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication is then slowly injected into the joint.