Overview

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Injections are provided for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

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They can reduce the inflammation and pain within a joint, as well as the associated swelling in the soft tissues near a joint.

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 Risks of the Procedure

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As with all procedures, a joint and soft tissue injections carry some risks and complications:

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• ​Most common:​

  • Facial flushing - reddening of the face that may very occasionally occur. It usually disappears in 24-48h and is not uncomfortable.

  • Skin changes - slight discolouration due to depigmentation. Thinning of the skin can occur at the site of repeated injections.

  • Post-injection flare - a temporary worsening of pain associated with sone localised warmth and swelling.​

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• Rare:

  • Infection - ​notify Mr. White, your GP, and/or seek immediate medical attention if you develop any warmth, swelling, redness, or pain that does not settle, or you feel unwell with a high temperature.

  • Nerve damage - often transient and due to the effects of local anaesthetic block.

  • Worsening of diabetic control - if you are diabetic, the steroid can temporarily upset your glucose control. 

  • Tendon rupture - this a very rare complication.

  • Allergy - another very rare complication, but can occur within minutes of an injection and we have full medical facilities to hand.

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The Procedure

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The injection usually comprises two main ingredients:

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• Local anaesthetic to provide immediate pain control

• Corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory effects that provide longer term pain control and reduction of swelling.

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 After the Injection

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You should avoid vigorous activity for 48 hours after the injection.​

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A few patients report increased stiffness and pain for 24-48 hours, but this often settles quickly.

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The small dressing can be removed after 24 hours.

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Keep a record of your pain control with a pain diary. It is often useful to note your pain relief at 2 hours, 2 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months after your injection.

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Repeat Injections

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 If the injection has worked well, and provided a satisfactory duration of pain control, then they can repeated every 3 to 4 months. As a general rule, up to 3 injections can be repeated per year into a joint.

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There is a small risk that frequent injections can cause cartilage damage, especially in weight bearing joints like the hip and knee.