Joint and soft tissue injections

People suffering with pain in one joint or many joints often find it difficult to cope with the limitations this pain brings. Despite taking pain killers or working with physiotherapists, this pain can be significant. The pain can limit the ability to work and succeed in the work place, to be active with friends and family and to stay fit and healthy. This pain can result in poor sleep quality, low energy levels and low mood and sometimes weight gain. 

What are the benefits of injections of the joint and tissues around joints?

Injections in and around the joints commonly reduce the pain, swelling, stiffness and irritation. As such they can help restore a more normal movement and ability and improve quality of life. They can be used to help people with joint pain achieve their full potential and help with physiotherapy and rehabilitation.  

How do injections in and around the joints work? 

Patients with joint pain or pain from the tissues around the joint commonly have ‘inflammation’ driving the pain. This makes it difficult to use the joint in a normal way. When this is found, a steroid injection can reduce and sometimes ‘turn off’ this inflammation. This helps to relieve pain and restore a more normal movement and ability to use the joint.  

Are injections painful?

When there is pain coming from within or around a joint, the injection can be uncomfortable during or after the injection. However this is often well-tolerated and short lived. It is common to use a pain relieving spray to numb the area before injection. Furthermore most injections take 10 to 20 seconds to complete and hence any pain is typically short-lived. Before any injection Dr Barr will ensure that the chances of successful pain relief far exceed any pain from the injection.

Can swollen joints be drained?

When a joint is swollen it may be a good idea to drain the fluid from the joint to not only relieve the discomfort but to also to diagnose the cause of the problem.

Can injections cause harm to the joint?

Injections very rarely cause harmful effects within or around a joint. Dr Barr carefully discusses the risks and benefits of any injection with his patient’s to ensure the chances of success outweigh any potential risks. There is a very small risk of infection and bleeding and these are carefully minimised through injection technique and detailed medical history.

Can injections be repeated? 

If the injections are helpful but the pain and / or swelling returns, they can be safely repeated and Dr Barr can discuss how frequently this can occur according to each patient’s condition.

Can injections be performed in the clinic?

Dr Barr routinely injects joints and the tissues around the joints in his clinic room to relieve pain. Under special circumstances, imaging-guided injections can be organised. 

When do patients commonly request or need joint injections?

Joint pain can have many causes. Injections of the joints and surrounding tissues can be considered as the first, second or third line of treatment depending on the needs of each patient and how much inflammation is present. Some patients with joint pain wish to relieve pain and restore function to their joint(s) as quickly as possible, others seek injections after attempting physiotherapy and / or medication. 

When is an injection appropriate?

Dr Barr will first confirm the diagnosis and the past medical history of each patient and then explain the various treatments available and ensure this information is understood. He then makes a decision with the patient’s views and opinions to ensure the most appropriate treatment is given and this can include injections.