Joint injections are a valuable tool in equine sports medicine—but they shouldn't be considered routine maintenance or performed simply because a horse is "due." Every injection should begin with a thorough clinical examination and a clear understanding of what problem is being treated.

In this episode of The Soundness Check, Dr. Michelle Correia and Dr. Rachel Buchholz discuss the role of joint injections in equine sports medicine. They explore common misconceptions surrounding injections, why treatment decisions should always begin with a thorough clinical examination, and how veterinarians determine whether a horse is an appropriate candidate. The conversation also touches on the different categories of injectable therapies and how factors such as diagnosis, workload, and long-term performance goals influence treatment choices.

Because successful sports medicine isn't about injecting a horse because they're "due"—it's about understanding the horse in front of you and choosing the right treatment at the right time.