Injections
When home care has not relieved your pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend joint injections. Shots typically include a corticosteroid medication or a viscosupplementation such as supartz, hylogen or synvisc and a local anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.
What to expect
Injections are usually given in your doctor's office. Once the joint area has been cleaned, a local anesthetic will numb the injection site. Then a needle is inserted into the joint and the medication is released. Because of the local anesthetic, you shouldn't feel anything more than some pressure in the joint as the needle is inserted.
After your shot
You can go about your day with some limitations although you may have some mild pain or stiffness. You won't be allowed to move your hand or wrist for several days. You may wear a splint or sling for several weeks to hold the hand and wrist in a neutral position. You should apply ice as needed to relieve pain.
Pain
Shots commonly cause a temporary flare in pain and inflammation for up to 48 hours after the injection. After that, you should experience decreased pain and inflammation. If the pain and swelling continue from more than 48 hours, call your doctor.
As a follow up, physical therapy or hand and wrist exercises to gently stretch the tendons and increase hand strength may be recommended.
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