Joint Injection Information
They're not as bad as you think
What is a Joint Injection?
Cortisone (steroid) is a powerful anti-inflammatory drug. When injected into an inflamed / painful joint or area of soft tissue, it can quickly reduce inflammation and as a result it can reduce pain and stiffness. It is usually injected along with some local anaesthetic.
Does it always work?
A joint injection is not always helpful. And if it does reduce pain and stiffness we cannot predict how long it will work for. But it is often very beneficial and those benefits can last for many months in some people.
What happens?
You will be sitting or lying in a comfortable position. The site to be injected will be cleaned and may be sprayed with a freezing spray. The site is then injected.
Is it Painful?
No injection is painless. The amount of discomfort can depend on the site injected. But most people who have had an injection in our clinic are pleasantly surprised and find it was much better than they expected it to be.
What about after the injection?
You may have some discomfort in the injected area for 24 – 48 hours. During this period it is advisable to rest the area as much as possible. We appreciate that some people will find it difficult to follow this advice. Nevertheless it is the best advice.
Are there any Side Effects?
All treatments and procedures have potential unwanted effects. However there are very few problems associated with joint or soft tissue injections. Your podiatrist will have discussed these with you already. However the most commonly occurring side effects are:
- Pain for a day or two at the site of injection
- Slight thinning of the skin or a small patch of scarring over the injection site
- Alteration to blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic you will need to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels for the next 48 hours
- Facial flushing
Far rarer side effects include:
- Joint infection
- Joint damage
- Adverse reaction to either the steroid or local anaesthetic used
If you have any concerns following your injection please contact the clinic where the injection took place during normal opening hours or contact your local GP / A+E department outside normal clinic hours.
Don't forget
- If you have had an injection, please do not drive home. Arrange alternative transport.
- You need to rest the affected area as much as possible for the next 48 hours. Then gradually return to normal activity.
- You may notice some discomfort around the injected area for 24 – 48 hours, this should not be particularly severe. Taking your usual painkiller or anti-inflammatory tablet should help.
- The benefits of an injection can often be felt quickly but may take several days or even weeks.