What a Joint Injection Is
A joint injection uses a needle to place medicine directly inside a joint. Sometimes fluid is drawn out first through a needle, which is called a joint aspiration. That fluid can then be examined or sent to a lab.
More than one kind of medicine can be used in a joint. Steroids are not used in injections at this clinic. The nurse practitioner can tell you which one would be in yours and why.
Who Gives It: A Nurse Practitioner
Joint injections at this clinic come from a nurse practitioner, not a chiropractor. Ask about the nurse practitioner's training and the days injections are available when you call.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects can include
- An allergic reaction to a medicine, the skin cleaner or tape
- A flare: swelling and pain in the joint several hours later, which usually clears within a few days
- Infection, which is very rare
Contact the clinic or another health care provider about
- Worsening pain that pain relievers do not ease
- A rash, redness or heat at the site
- Bleeding or discharge at the site
- Fever or chills
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or a swollen face, eyes or tongue.
Who Should Not Have a Joint Injection
A joint injection should not be given when there is an infection in or around the joint, or to someone with a serious allergy to a medicine in the injection.
Mention any past reaction to
- A numbing medicine
- A soap or liquid used to clean the skin
- Tape or adhesives
The American College of Rheumatology's patient page on joint injections and aspirations says that when an infection is suspected, it is important to draw joint fluid for testing.
Tell the nurse practitioner about your medicines and your health before any injection is considered.
Questions to Ask About Joint Injections in Towson
Joint injections are offered alongside trigger point therapy in Towson. A joint injection may be recommended depending on your condition, based on our comprehensive evaluation.
These are worth asking the nurse practitioner before you decide. Cost and insurance are best answered by phone.
- Which medicine would be in the injection, and why that one?
- Will fluid be drawn out first?
- Is imaging used to guide the needle?
- Who do I call if I have a problem when the clinic is closed?
- Are there other options to try first?
Close to Campus Hills and Towson Town Center
Towson Town Center is about 1.2 miles northwest of the clinic, a little past Campus Hills at about 0.8 miles. Prince Rd, about 0.15 miles west of the clinic, links E Joppa Rd to Goucher Blvd.
