Intra-articular injection

What is an intra-articular injection?

• An intra-articular injection is a type of shot that’s placed directly into a joint the treatment of inflammatory joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, tendinitis, bursitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and occasionally osteoarthritis.
• Intra-articular injections can be painful. In some cases, your healthcare provider may numb the area with a local anesthetic prior to performing the injection.

Where is an intra-articular injection given?

• Intra-articular injections are most commonly used to treat osteoarthritis in the hip or knee but they can also be given in other joints, including shoulders, wrists, ankles, hands, and fingers.
• Corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are the most common substances injected into joints for this treatment.

Risks:

• Risks include damage to a tendon, ligament or nerve, bleeding into the tissue and infection.

Home instructions after the procedure:

• Some people get increased pain and swelling in their joint immediately after having the injection. This pain tends to go away after a few days.
• You may also get some bruising where the injection was given. This should go away after a few days. It helps to rest the joint for 24 hours after the injection.
• Rest and pain-killers are recommended to relieve pain and swelling.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a couple of days including sports
• Apply ice on the injection site for comfort
• Gentle range of motion exercises are recommended
• Intra-articular steroid injection produces acute hyperglycaemia for 2 or 3 days in patients with diabetes
• If you experience severe pain, unusual swelling, Signs of Infection, bleeding immediately contact your doctor.

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