JOINT AND SOFT TISSUE INJECTIONS

 Overview

​

Injections are provided for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. 

​

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

​

 Risks of the Procedure

​

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

​

• ​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.​

​​

• 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.

​

The Procedure

​

The injection usually comprises two main ingredients:

​

• Local anaesthetic to provide immediate pain control

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

​

 After the Injection

​

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

​

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

​

The small dressing can be removed after 24 hours.

​

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.

​

Repeat Injections

​

 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.

​

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