Joint Injection(Steroid Joint Injection; Cortisone Joint Injection; Corticosteroid Joint Injection; Cortisone Shot)
by
Cynthia M. Johnson, MA DefinitionJoint injections are medicines put into a joint. The medicine is often a combination of corticosteroids and local anesthetic (numbing medicine). This treatment is most often used in joints like the hips, knees, and shoulders. Reasons for ProcedureInjections are done to ease pain and swelling in a joint from things like:
Possible ComplicationsProblems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:
Things that may raise the risk of problems are: What to ExpectPrior to ProcedureThe care team may meet with you to talk about:
AnesthesiaYou may be given local anesthesia. The area will be numbed. This may provide relief right away, which can help confirm a diagnosis. Description of the ProcedureThe injection site will be located. The area will be wiped with an alcohol pad. The joint may be flexed. The needle will be inserted into the joint. The medicine will be injected. The needle will be removed. A bandage may be placed over the area. The local anesthetic may provide immediate relief. It will also help your doctor confirm the diagnosis. The steroid may provide relief from pain, swelling, and inflammation for a longer period of time. How Long Will It Take?10 to 15 minutes Will It Hurt?Symptoms may worsen for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injection. Medicine and home care can help ease pain. Post-procedure CareAt the Care CenterRight after the procedure, the staff may:
At HomePhysical activity will be limited for several days. Relief from pain may last several weeks or months. Call Your DoctorCall the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:
If you have an emergency, call for medical help right away. RESOURCES:American College of Rheumatology http://www.rheumatology.org The Arthritis Foundation http://www.arthritis.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:The Arthritis Society http://www.arthritis.ca Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac.gc.ca References:Injection therapy for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/management/injection-therapy-for-osteoarthritis-oa-of-the-knee. Accessed August 2, 2021. Injections that could ease your joint pain. Cleveland Clinic website. Available at: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/injections-that-could-ease-your-joint-pain. Accessed August 2, 2021. Joint injections (joint aspirations). American College of Rheumatology website. Available at: https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Treatments/Joint-Injection-Aspiration. Accessed August 2, 2021. Last reviewed July 2021 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Warren A. Bodine, DO, CAQSM Last Updated: 8/2/2021 | |
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