Injections into joints are intra-articular injections. If you have a swollen or painful joint, your doctor may inject a steroid medication into the joint. Sometimes your doctor may inject a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) along with the steroid. The steroid injection is given to decrease pain and swelling in the joint.  It varies between people; improvement usually starts within 1 to 2 days. If helpful, the injection usually lasts from a few weeks to several months.  The steroid medications are related to cortisone, which is produced by the body itself.

Side effects are very unlikely. Occasionally, the joint is worse for the first 24 hours after the injection. After that the joint normally settles. If the joint becomes more painful after this, please contact Radiology Ltd. at 520-545-1872 as this could be a sign of infection (a very rare complication). A large number of injections into the same joint may cause damage to the joint.

You should rest the joint after the injection for the first 24-48 hours, especially after the knee or ankle has been injected.

 

A nurse will call you in one week to see how you are doing. If you have any questions or concerns, please call 520-545-1872 to speak with the radiology nurse.