What is it?

Joint injection is a non-surgical option used to treat swollen or painful joints after injury or arthritis. It can also be used to treat painful tendons and inflammation. 

A variety of joint injections are available and include corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and platelet rich protein.

You may be recommended this procedure if you have the following symptoms:

• Persistent joint pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness

Diagnosis and treatment options

Your consultant will examine you and ask you to demonstrate certain movements to check how well your hand and wrist is working. You might need some additional tests:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

During your procedure your painful joint will be injected either in clinic or under image guidance (X-ray or ultrasound). The aim of this treatment is to relieve pain and swelling and make movement easier.

Recovery is generally within a few days. On occasions, patients may experience a 'steroid flare' where the pain increases for a few days but this generally settles down by itself.