Joint and soft-tissue injections
An injection delivers a medicine directly into a joint or into the tissues around it, such as tendons or bursae. It acts exactly where the inflammation or pain is, with fewer effects on the rest of the body than a medicine taken by mouth.
Medicines used
- Depot corticosteroids: reduce inflammation in arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis
- Hyaluronic acid: improves joint lubrication in osteoarthritis, especially of the knee
Who it is for
- Arthritis with one or a few inflamed joints
- Osteoarthritis, especially of the knee
- Bursitis and tendinitis that do not improve with other measures
- Always after a medical assessment that confirms the indication
How it is done
- The skin is cleaned with antiseptic
- The medicine is injected with a fine needle; in some cases joint fluid is removed first for analysis
- It takes a few minutes and you leave walking
After the injection
- Relative rest of the joint for 24 to 48 hours
- Ice if there is discomfort
- People with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar for a few days
- Corticosteroid injections in the same joint are not usually repeated more than 3 or 4 times a year
Possible risks
- Temporary pain at the injection site
- A temporary rise in blood sugar in people with diabetes
- Skin changes after soft-tissue injections
- Infection, which is very uncommon
Frequently asked questions
Is a corticosteroid injection dangerous?
When given for the right indication and with sterile technique it is a safe procedure. Risks are uncommon and are explained beforehand, in the informed consent.
How long does the effect last?
It depends on the condition and the medicine. The effect of corticosteroids is usually noticed within a few days, and that of hyaluronic acid within a few weeks.
Can I walk after a knee injection?
Yes. Relative rest is recommended, avoiding intense exercise for 24 to 48 hours.
General information reviewed by Dr. Paul Alejandro Méndez Patarroyo, internist and rheumatologist, Colombian Medical Licence 79554568. It does not replace a medical consultation.