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Discharge Instructions for Arthrocentesis

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.

Steps to Take

Self Care

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.

Activity

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.

Medications

Medicine may be given to manage pain.

When taking medicine:

  • Take your medicine as advised. Do not change the amount or schedule.
  • Be aware of the side effects of your medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any.
  • Medicines can be harmful when mixed. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking more than one, including over the counter products and supplements.

Follow-up

Your doctor will let you know your test results. Other appointments may be needed for treatment. Be sure to go to all appointments.

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the injection site
  • Redness, heat, or worsening pain in the joint
  • Pain you cannot control with medicine

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

Arthritis Foundation
http://www.arthritis.org

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org

REFERENCES:

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