Joint pain is common, especially in older adults, mostly due to osteoarthritis. The discomfort is usually felt in the hands, knees, hips, feet, or spine, but it can occur in any joint. Joint pain may affect the function of the joint and limit one’s ability to perform simple tasks. Although there may be no cure for joint pain caused by arthritis, your Tacoma adult gerontology nurse practitioner can help you reduce and manage the pain using treatments like joint injections.

What are joint injections used for?

Joint injections or cortisone shots effectively treat inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. However, healthcare providers may also use them for gout, back pain, bursitis, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, reactive arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Are there any risks?

The possible side effects of a joint injection increase with larger doses and repeated use. These side effects can include:

• Joint injections
• Cartilage damage
• Nerve damage
• Facial flushing
• Osteoporosis or thinning of nearby bone
• Tendon rupture or weakening
• A flare-up of pain and inflammation in the joint
• Whitening of skin around the injection site
• Death of surrounding bone

Because of the concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage cartilage within a joint, doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots into a joint. Generally, you shouldn’t get joint injections more often than every six weeks. And not more than three or four times annually.

What happens during a joint injection?

You will change into a gown and position yourself as your doctor instructs so they can easily insert the needle. Your doctor will clean the area around the skin injection site to remove any bacteria. Anesthetic spray may be used to numb the skin where the needle will be inserted. An imaging test like fluoroscopy or an X-ray ensures the doctor directs the needle into the right spot in your body. You will likely feel pressure as your provider inserts the needle; inform your doctor if you experience major discomfort.

Once the needle is at the right spot, the doctor releases medication into the site. Joint injections typically include corticosteroid medication to relieve pain and inflammation. Your doctor may also combine the medicine with an anesthetic to provide immediate relief. 

After a joint injection

Intense pain and swelling at the injection site are joint injections’ most common side effects. You may also experience some bruising where the injection was given. Some people may have redness and warmth in their chest and face after the injection. If you have diabetes, the shot might increase your blood sugar levels; this is usually temporary.

After the shot, you may need to protect the area for a day or two. For instance, if you received an injection in your shoulder, you need to avoid heavy lifting. If the injection was administered in your knee, stay off your feet when you can.

Use an ice pack on the injection to relieve the pain, and avoid using heating pads. Showering is okay, but you should avoid hot tubs, bathtubs, or whirlpools for two days. Watch for signs of an infection, like pain, redness, swelling, and discharge.

You don’t have to endure joint pain. Call or book an appointment with your doctor at Prudent Medical Providers for treatment to improve your quality of life.