Wrist Joint Injection
Why do I need a wrist joint injection?
Wrist is a complex joint and it consists of eight small bones that are firmly bound in two rows of four bones each. Wrist joint injections are done to reduce pain in conditions like osteoarthritis of the wrist and rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, tenderness, swelling, redness, warmth, stiffness and loss of joint range of motion are the common symptoms of wrist arthritis.
How is a wrist joint injection performed?
Wrist joint injections are procedures done under ultrasound guidance on a day care basis. You will be admitted to the day surgery and will be assisted to the procedure room. The wrist is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and an ultrasound machine will be used to identify the target space. The needle is inserted into the joint space and once proper placement is confirmed, a corticosteroid and an anesthetic are injected into your ankle. The corticosteroid targets the inflammation and the anesthetic helps to provide pain relief. You may feel mild pressure and pain as they are inserting the needle.
What are the risks and side effects?
The complication rate for this procedure is very low. Mild discomfort at the injection site can occur. This typically lasts for a few hours but can persist for a couple days. If this occurs, taking anti-inflammatories or pain medications and applying ice to the area reduces the pain.
How long does it take for the procedure to work?
The steroid medication begins to take effect in one to two days at which point you should start to see some benefit. The steroid effect continues to get stronger and stronger such that the peak effect occurs at about two weeks. Thereafter, the effect will stabilise and should last several weeks to months. Typically, the pain relief experienced from this procedure lasts 3-6 months, but there is significant variability from patient to patient. If and when the pain starts to return, this procedure can be repeated to try and attain some pain relief once again. .
Please read our FAQ section to know more about the do's and don'ts prior to and after the procedure.