Joint Injection / Therapeutic Steroid Injection

A therapeutic steroid injection is an injection of a long-lasting steroid used to reduce inflammation or swelling. This may reduce the symptoms you are experiencing.

Before Your Procedure

• Some medications may increase the risk of bleeding after your procedure. Please check with your doctor about possibly holding medications such as aspirin, Coumadin (warfarin), Ticlid, Pletal, Aggrenox, Plavix and NSAIDS, such as naproxen and ibuprofen before your procedure.
• You may resume your medications the day after your procedure.
• Continue to take your pain medication.
• Radiation is used for this procedure. Please notify your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Plan to be at the hospital for about 1 hour.

During Your Procedure

• You will lie on the X-ray table.
• Your skin will be cleaned and a numbing medication will be given where the needle will be placed.
• You may feel some pressure when the needle is inserted.
• A short acting anesthetic agent is used for temporary pain relief lasting approximately 4-5 hours.
• A steroid is injected for longer pain relief, and begins working in 3-5 days.

After Your Procedure

• You will be observed for 30 minutes.
• You may resume your normal activities as tolerated.
• Notify your doctor of any signs of infections such as redness, swelling, tenderness or drainage from the site.