Injections can be done for joint pains.
The injection will usually contain a numbing and a steroid medication. The numbing medication usually contains a local anaesthetic (ie. Lignocaine) while the steroid component is usually a long-acting steroid (i.e. triamcinolone acetonide).
The purpose is to reduce swelling and inflammation. It is normally used when oral medications do not work or cause unacceptable side effects.
Possible side effects are: allergies to the medications given, flareup of underlying condition like diabetes/hypertension/glaucoma/hepatitis B chronic infection and skin changes.
Otherwise, we frequently give such injections in our clinics and they have been well documented to achieve a high cure rate for the following conditions: <link>
- Problems opening and closing the fingers, trigger finger
- Pain over the base of the thumb, De Quervain Tenosynovitis
- Shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinitis
- Pain over the elbow areas, tennis or golfer elbow
- Chronic joint pain conditions like rheumatoid arthritis despite optimal oral medications
- Knee pain, especially in gout
- Chronic headache, neck and back ache due to trigger points (injection will not contain steroid)
We enjoy giving these jabs a lot as patients usually walk out very happy and satisfied!