Skip to content
ns-logo
VRS Button Small

For Canada Video Relay Service
Use: 1-866-770-7763

  • Français
  • 811.novascotia.ca
  • Search Health Topics
  • Careers
  • Other Resources
  • Feedback Process
  • Contact Us

Joint and Soft Tissue Injections

If you are having any symptoms or have any questions, please call 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours a day.

What are joint and soft tissue injections?

Joint and soft tissue injections are shots with a needle into a joint (such as your knee) or a soft tissue space (such as the space between a muscle and a bone). The needle may be used to take out fluid or to put in medicine. These shots can be used to diagnose or treat many different conditions, including rheumatism, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis.

Anti-inflammatory medicines such as corticosteroids and pain relievers such as lidocaine are the most common medicines used for joint and soft tissue injections. Before getting an injection, it is important to tell your healthcare provider if you are allergic to steroids or any other drug.

What will I feel during the injection?

Your healthcare provider will probably give you a local anesthetic (numbing medicine) before the injection so you feel very little pain. You may feel some pain after the anesthetic wears off. Hold ice on the area for 15 minutes several times a day or contact your healthcare provider about other ways to relieve the pain. They may recommend taking an oral pain reliever.

What are some common side effects of joint and soft tissue injections?

The most common side effects of joint and soft tissue injections are irritation and swelling of the tissues. This is known as a post-injection “flare” and may last up to 48 hours. Other possible side effects include infection, tendon rupture and muscle damage. In order to reduce your risk of infection, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and keep the injection site clean. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice any redness or swelling.

Sources

Joint and Soft Tissue Injection by DA Cardone, D.O., C.A.Q.S.M., and AF Tallia, M.D., M.P.H. (American Family Physician 07/15/02, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020715/283.html)

Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Revised/Updated: 05-01-2014

Created: 04-01-2004

This handout provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. To find out if this handout applies to you and to get more information on this subject, contact your family healthcare provider.

Copyright (c) by the American Academy of Family Physicians

Permission is granted to print and photocopy this material for non-profit educational uses.

Written permission is required for all other uses, including electronic uses.

Nova Scotia Telecare, Reviewed by Clinical Services Working Group, March 2019

56731

Search Health Topics

Hot Topics:

COVID-19
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
COVID-19 Recovery
Tick Safety
HIV Self-Testing
Influenza
prideHealth
Need A Family Practice?
Boil Water Advisories
Loving Care
Organ Donation
  • Feedback Process
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Cookies
  • Crown copyright © Province of Nova Scotia.