Joint/Bursa Injections
Steroid Injection
Steroid is a potent anti-inflammatory medication. It has been proven to be an effective treatment when placed in areas of inflammation that are causing pain and impairment. A steroid injection may be performed in practically any joint in the body, as well as into an inflamed bursa. These procedures can be performed in the office under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement and further evaluate the pathological site. A mixture of two medications is placed into the joint or bursa, including Lidocaine and a long-acting steroid.
What To Expect From Your Office Injection
1. WHY IS THIS INJECTION BEING PERFORMED?
An injection is performed to decrease inflammation around a painful region. The injection is performed under ultrasound, which helps your physician to guide the needle into the proper location. For additional information about your diagnosis, please refer to WebMD.com.
2. WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE MY INJECTION?
Please discontinue any blood-thinning medications prior to the injection. NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen will need to be stopped three days prior to the procedure. Aspirin will need to be stopped for seven days prior to the procedure. Please continue taking all of your normal medications that are not blood-thinning.
3. WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE INJECTION?
The procedure will be performed in a procedure room where your physician and a nurse will be present. You will be positioned on a table, and an ultrasound machine will be used to localize the best site for the injection. The skin will be cleaned, and an anesthetic agent will be used to numb the skin. A procedure needle will be advanced under ultrasound guidance into the area of injury, and the medication will be injected.
4. WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER THE INJECTION?
You may have discomfort in the areas where the needle entered the skin. Ice to this region can help to minimize local discomfort. Resting the injured area for two to three days can also be very helpful to allow the medication to take effect. You will be able to return to work the day after your injection.