Joint aspiration
Joint aspiration is a method of removing fluid from a joint using a needle. The fluid taken out of the joint can be sent for testing to help with the diagnosis of your condition, such as arthritis, infection, or gout. Joint aspiration can also be helpful in relieving joint swelling and pain.
A rheumatologist may recommend injecting an arthritic joint with cortisone or another therapeutic liquid into a joint as part of treatment. This injection may be performed after the aspiration.
Joint aspiration is generally considered a quick, safe procedure. It typically involves a local anesthetic, so you'll feel minimal pain and discomfort. For most people, joint aspiration is a safe and uneventful procedure. As with any surgical procedure, complications can happen. Some possible complications may include:
- Pain at the aspirated joint
- Bruising at the aspirated joint
- Swelling at the aspirated joint
- Infection at the aspirated joint
Before the procedure
- Your rheumatologist will explain the procedure to you and offer you the chance to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure.
- Tell your rheumatologist if you are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents.
- Tell your rheumatologist if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop these medicines before the procedure.
Steroid joint injections
Steroid joint injections are given into your joints to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and allow your joint to move more easily. Steroid injection includes both a corticosteroid (e.g., methylprednisolone) and an anesthetic numbing agent (e.g., lidocaine). The drugs are delivered to the painful joint, inside the joint capsule. The benefits can last for several months. The joints most often injected are the shoulder, elbow, knee, wrist, or ankle.
Side effects and complications of steroid joint injections
Most people do not have any side effects after a hydrocortisone injection. Occasional side-effects and complications of steroid joint injections may include:
- Pain and swelling in the injected joint
- Bruising in the injected joint
- Infection in the injected joint
- Change in the color of your skin around the injection site
- Temporary problems with your blood sugar and blood pressure control if you have diabetes and high blood pressure
- Changes in your mood – you may feel good or very low
Before the procedure
- Your rheumatologist will explain the procedure to you and offer you the chance to ask any questions that you might have about the procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the procedure.
- Tell your rheumatologist if you are allergic to any medicines, latex, tape, and anesthetic agents.
- Tell your rheumatologist if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking any anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medicines, aspirin, or other medicines that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop these medicines before the procedure.
Steroid injections for soft tissue conditions
Steroid injections are also used to treat painful tendons, bursitis, and soft tissues. Examples include:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer's elbow
- Trigger finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Shoulder tendonitis and bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis
The injections usually help relieve pain and swelling and make movement easier.
The benefits can last for several months. Side effects and the procedure are as same as steroid joint injections.