Patient handout · Pain treatments
Joint Injections
What it is
A joint injection puts medicine into a painful joint, such as the knee, hip or shoulder. The medicine is often a steroid with a numbing drug. It may ease pain and swelling for a time.
Why it is done
- Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis
- Joint pain that has not improved with other measures
- Patients who need relief to participate in therapy
What to expect
- Before: We review your medicines and allergies.
- During: This is a short procedure, often in the office. The skin is cleaned and a needle puts medicine into the joint.
- After: Rest the joint for a day or two. Pain relief may take a few days to start.
Self-care tips
- Rest the day of your injection. Most people return to light activity the next day.
- Ice on the site for 15 to 20 minutes may ease soreness.
- Keep a pain diary for 2 weeks to share with us.
- Keep taking your usual medicines unless we tell you otherwise.
When to call us
- Fever or chills
- Redness, swelling, warmth or drainage where the needle went in
- Pain that is much worse than before, or new weakness or numbness
- A bad headache that is worse when you sit or stand
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
This handout is general information and is not a substitute for medical advice.