Joint Aspiration and Injection
Joint Injection
Joint injection is a procedure where a small hypodermic needle is inserted into the joint space and a variety of therapeutic agents can be injected to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Both acute and chronic pain is ideal for joint injections. The treatments will help reduce pain and allow the patient to work effectively with physical therapy and to start personal exercise programs to regain strength and range of motion, all with less pain. At the Seaside Rheumatology and wellness Center, all procedures are conducted under a strict aseptic technique and with ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound is used for a more accurate and less painful procedure. Common indications for joint injection include, osteoarthritis, crystal arthritis (gout, psuedogout), tendonitis, deQeurvains, trigger finger, bursitis, inflammatory arthritis(rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis etc), neuritis. Joints injected include the joints of the spine and pelvis, hips, knees, ankles, toes, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers. There are certain contraindications and rare complications to these procedures, which will be discussed in detail during your office visit.
Therapies offered at Seaside rheumatology and Wellness Center
- Steroid injections
- Euflexxa
- Synvisc
- Orthovisc
- Zeel and Traumeel (natural alternative)
Joint Aspiration
Joint aspiration is a procedure where a small hypodermic needle is inserted into the joint space in order to sample synovial fluid for further analysis. The fluid is sent for laboratory evaluation looking for infection, inflammatory cells, uric acid crystals, calcium crystals, fat globules or blood. At the Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center, all procedures are conducted under a strict aseptic technique and with ultrasound guidance. Lidocaine is used during all procedures to help minimalize any pain that may be experienced. Ultrasound is used for a more accurate and less painful procedure. Ultrasound provides precise image of the target area and allows Dr. Lloyd to avoid areas that may be more tender and inflamed. Indications for this procedure are acute red, swollen and or tender joints. Once the fluid samples have been analyzed a diagnosis and treatment plan can be initiated.
Joint Injections at Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center explained by Dr. Peter Lloyd
What is a joint injection?
A joint injection is a procedure that is done with ultrasound guidance at the Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center.
The goal is to inject various therapies to either reduce inflammation and relieve pain or provide mechanical relief of an arthritic joint.
Who is an ideal candidate for a joint injection procedure?
Indications for joint injection include osteoarthritis, crystal arthritis (gout, pseudogout), tendonitis, trigger finger, bursitis, or any type of inflammatory arthritis.
What is the purpose of this procedure?
The purpose of the procedure is to inject medication to help reduce inflammation, which will then reduce swelling and pain.
