During an intra-articular injection, a hypodermic needle is used to administer medication directly into the injured joint. To treat disorders like gout, tendinitis, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, psoriatic arthritis, and occasionally osteoarthritis, an intra-articular injection is administered into the joint. This procedure is effective in removal of extra fluid from the joint. The injection used in this treatment contains corticosteroids which help in reducing inflammation.

Possible risks and side effects

Some of the possible risk and side effects of intra-articular injection have been illustrated below: 

• In most cases, steroid injections have no negative side effects. At the time of injection, they can be a bit unpleasant, but many people discover that they are not as severe as they had anticipated. Occasionally, within the first 24 hours following injection, people experience an increase in their joint discomfort. It normally goes away on its own in a few days, but paracetamol or other over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful.

• The colour of the skin at the injection site can occasionally change as a result of injections. Visit Manipal Hospitals Global to know more about Intra Articular Injection.

Note:

Some of the important points needs to be considered regarding the intra-articular injection:

• Multiple injections into the same area or joint are not recommended.

• The injection should not be administered in the event of any known pharmaceutical allergies. If there is an infection in the joint or the area around it, it should also be avoided.