WHAT IS A JOINT INJECTION?
A joint injection is an injection of a steroid or other medication into a joint; any place two bones move against each other and are surrounded by a joint capsule, such as shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers and knees.
Very pleased with excellent treatment I have received i have past few months, staff is always attentive, my hip injection from Dr. Maslin was flawless and took away the pain ever since. Thank you!!
The medication injected, usually a steroid, is meant to reduce the inflammation and/or swelling of tissue in the joint space. This may in turn reduce pain, and other symptoms caused by inflammation or irritation of the joint and surrounding structures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Is The Joint Injection Performed?
It is done with the patient in whatever position allows the best access into the joint. Shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers and knees are often injected with the patient sitting. Hips, knees, ankles and toes are often injected with the patient lying down. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution and then the injection is carried out. A band-aid is usually applied.
What Should I Expect After The Joint Injection?
Immediately after the injection, you may feel that your pain may be gone or quite less. This is due to the local anesthetic injected. This will last only for a few hours. Your pain will return and you may have a sore joint for a day or two. This is due to the mechanical process of needle insertion as well as initial irritation from the steroid itself. You should start noticing pain relief starting the 3rd to 5th day or so.
What About Risks And Side Effects?
Generally speaking, this procedure is safe. However, with any procedure there are risks, side effects and possibility of complications. The most common side effect is pain – which is temporary. The other risks involve, infection, bleeding, worsening of symptoms etc. The other risks are related to the side effects of steroids: These include weight gain, increase in blood sugar (mainly in diabetics), water retention, suppression of body’s own natural production of cortisone etc. Fortunately, the serious side effects and complications are uncommon.
Before the Treatment
- #1
You should not have What Are The Risks And Side Effects Of Joint Injections? to eat or drink for at least eight (8) hours before your scheduled procedure.
- #2
If you are scheduled to receive sedation, you must have someone available to drive you home.
- #3
If you usually take medication for high blood pressure or any kind of heart condition, make sure to take this medication at the usual time with a sip of water before your procedure.
- #4
If you are taking any type of medication that can thin the blood and cause excessive bleeding, you should discuss with your doctors whether to discontinue this medication prior to the procedure.
After the Treatment
- #1
Following discharge home, you should plan on simple rest and relaxation.
- #2
If you have pain at the injection site, application of an ice pack to this area should be helpful.
- #3
If you receive intravenous sedation, you should not drive a car for at least eight hours.
- #4
Patients are generally advised to go home and not return to work after this type of injection. Most people do return to work the next day.
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