Musculoskeletal injections are an extremely safe and modern procedure which offers pain relief via hip, knee, elbow or shoulder injection.
These cortisone injections are typically considered when physiotherapy and oral medication have been tried and the pain is still not tolerable. These injections deliver powerful medications directly to the area that is the source of the pain and as a result, are usually much more effective than tablets.
Most patients will experience pain relief immediately after the procedure because of the anaesthetic. The anaesthetic will usually wear off within 8 hours and the pain often returns the evening of the procedure. The cortisone usually takes at least 2 days to begin working. Generally it is best to ease back into exercise or more strenuous activities over 1 to 2 weeks as the medication begins to work. However you should also consult your doctor for specific advice to address your individual needs.
Patients are asked to record the relief they experience after the procedure and keep a record of their pain relief during the next week on a post injection evaluation sheet. Dr Harris suggests that you return to your referring doctor 1-2 weeks following the injection.
Dr Harris routinely performs injections to joints, tendons and bursae in many areas of the body. The more common areas are:
| Shoulder | Sub-acromial bursa, glenohumeral joint, acromo-clavicular joint, biceps tendon |
| Elbow | Common extensor tendon, common flexor tendon |
| Wrist/Hand | Joints such as carpo-metacarpal (CMC) joint, ganglion aspiration and injection, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis |
| Hip | Joint, trochanteric bursa, hamstrings origin |
| Knee | Joint, patella tendon |
| Foot/Ankle | Joints, plantar fascia, Morton’s neuroma |
What is the risk of infection?
If you have a local skin or systemic infection, a musculoskeletal injection may put you at greater risk for spreading the infection. Make sure to tell your doctor if you have any infected wounds, boils, or rashes anywhere on your body.
Can I have a musculoskeletal injection if I have other medical conditions?
Injections are usually an elective procedure offered to patients without life-threatening conditions. A medically unstable patient should have his or her medical condition treated before any elective injections are given.
If you have an accompanying medical illness, you should discuss the risks of a musculoskeletal injection with your physician. For instance, patients with diabetes might experience an increase in blood sugar levels after an injection with cortisone. Patients with congestive heart failure, renal failure, hypertension, or a significant cardiac disease may have problems due to the effects of fluid retention several days after an injection.
How many injections will I need?
The number and frequency of injections is debatable, although it is generally considered reasonable to limit the number to three times per year to avoid systemic side effects of the cortisone. This is best discussed with your referring doctor.
What are the side effects of musculoskeletal injections?
Side effects are minimal and consist mainly of mild tenderness in the area of injection which usually disappears in 1-2 days. This treatment, along with analgesics and physical therapy, has brought relief to thousands of patients, avoiding, in the majority of cases, the need for surgery. Adverse reactions and serious complications are very rare.
What are the success rates of musculoskeletal injections?
Musculoskeletal injections are generally successful in providing temporary relief from pain for most patients who undergo the treatment. Pain relief experienced as a result from an injection procedure generally lasts between one month and one year.