Cortisone Injection (cont.)
How are cortisone injections of a joint given?
The method of administering a cortisone injection to a joint is similar to that of soft-tissue injections. Betadine, however, is more commonly used for sterilization of
the skin over the joint. Furthermore, if there is an excessive amount of fluid
within the joint, it often is removed first with a separate syringe and needle
prior to injection of the cortisone. Removal of this joint fluid allows the
doctor to examine the fluid and submit a sample to the laboratory for diagnosis. Removal also rapidly relieves pain by
reducing the pressure of the fluid within the joint. Finally,
removal of fluid may expedite healing.
"I've always heard that cortisone injections are
painful? Are they?"
In an expert's hands, the opposite is more often the case. That is, minimal pain from
the procedure is noted while relief from the pain of the inflammation occurs
rapidly. Occasionally, cortisone injections of joints that have degenerated
(become damaged) or that are particularly small (such as finger joints) can be
associated with temporary, minor pain at the time of the injection. This is not
generally expected. Less frequently, nerves can be irritated, either
directly by the needle during the injection or by the corticosteroid
medication. Again, this is not common or anticipated.
Last Editorial Review: 4/23/2008
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