Do I Need a Joint Aspiration Before a Joint Injection?

Arthritis is one of the major issues that affects the joints, causing swelling and pain. If conservative measures don’t work to alleviate symptoms and discomfort, a joint injection may be the next step.

But if you have fluid around the joint, you may require an aspiration before the injection. At Delmarva Pain and Spine Center, Dr. Shachi Patel offers joint injections and aspirations for a variety of joint problems.

Dr. Patel is an anesthesiologist and pain management specialist providing various cutting-edge treatments for issues like CRPS, spinal stenosis, and sciatica.

What is a joint aspiration?

Joint aspiration is a procedure where we use a hollow needle to withdraw excess fluid from the joint space. Also known as arthrocentesis, joint aspiration is an option in various joints, including the knees, shoulders, and hips.

We may recommend a joint aspiration if you have joint swelling with pain. Usually, when there’s swelling and pain, there’s excess fluid around the joint, causing inflammation.

A joint aspiration is also a diagnostic tool we use to determine the cause of swelling and pain. We can send the joint fluid to a lab for analysis. It can tell us if you have an infection or are dealing with other inflammatory conditions.

The joint aspiration procedure only takes about 10 minutes and is minimally invasive. We may use an ultrasound to guide the needle into the joint space. We then withdraw the fluid and inject a steroid medication if necessary.

Do I need one before an injection?

Not everyone who needs a joint injection needs an aspiration beforehand. We determine the need for an aspiration based on symptoms and imaging studies.

The most common reasons for a joint injection include diagnosing gout, an infection, or various forms of arthritis. You may also need a joint aspiration before injection if you have bursitis or tendonitis with swelling and pain.

Dr. Patel evaluates your specific symptoms and pain level and uses imaging to determine whether an aspiration is needed before a joint injection.

How joint injections decrease pain

Whether or not you need a joint aspiration, a joint injection is a great option for reducing inflammation and relieving discomfort. The injection typically involves a corticosteroid to address swelling and an anesthetic medication to numb the area.

Corticosteroids are extremely potent anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce swelling caused by conditions such as arthritis and injuries. They’re the next step in treatment after home care and physical therapy.

You can benefit from a joint injection if you’re living with arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. They also help reduce inflammation in the joint space after injury.

The anesthetic medication in the injection numbs the area for several hours, providing immediate relief, while the corticosteroid may take a few days to a few weeks to achieve optimal results.

 If you want to learn more about how a joint injection and aspiration can help you, contact our Newark, Delaware office today by calling or by visiting our website to request an appointment with Dr. Patel.