Fluid was drained from one of your joints. The fluid will be tested to look for the cause of your pain and swelling.
Self care and medicine can help with healing.
Put an ice pack on your joint for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This can help ease pain and swelling. Do this many times a day. Put a towel between the ice pack and your skin.
Slowly return to normal activity as you feel able. However, do not put too much stress on the joint.
You can drive and return to work when the doctor says it is okay.
Medicine may be given to manage pain.
When taking medicine:
Your doctor will let you know your test results. Other appointments may be needed for treatment. Be sure to go to all appointments.
Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov
The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Heat and cold therapy: understanding rationale for use. EBSCO Nursing Reference Center website. Available at: https://www.ebscohost.com/nursing/products/nursing-reference-center. Accessed September 9, 2021.
Injections and procedures for knee pain. Cancer therapy advisor website. Available at: https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/decision-support-in-medicine/hospital-medicine/arthrocentesis-joint-aspiration-and-injection. Accessed September 9, 2021.
Joint injections for arthritis pain. Arthritis Foundation website. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/treatment-plan/disease-management/joint-injections-for-arthritis-pain. Accessed September 9, 2021.
Synovial fluid analysis. American Association for Clinical Chemistry Lab Tests Online website. Available at: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/synovial-fluid-analysis. Accessed September 9, 2021.
Last reviewed July 2021 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS