Consultant Orthopaedic Knee and Trauma Surgeon

Appointments
01733 842 309

  • National Ligament Registry
  • National Joint Registry
  • I want great care
Tennis Knee Injury

Soft Tissue or Joint Injection

Injections are given to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain within a joint, or soft tissues near a joint.

The injection usually comprises of 2 ingredients:

  • Local anaesthetic, which is used to diminish pain.
  • Slow release steroid, which is an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce swelling.

Most Common:

  • Post injection flare – you may experience a temporary worsening of pain and sometimes there is a little swelling and local heat.
  • Facial flushing – reddening of the face may very occasionally occur, but this usually only lasts 24-48 hrs and is not uncomfortable.
  • Skin changes – slight discolouration due to depigmentation. Thinning of the skin can occasionally occur locally at the site of injection.

Very rare:

  • Infection – If you develop heat, swelling or pain that does not settle, or you feel unwell with a high temperature contact your GP or hospital.
  • Diabetes – if you are a diabetic, you may experience transient upset of your glucose control, so it is important to monitor your sugar levels for up to 2 weeks after your injection.
  • Tendon rupture – this is very rare as a result of your injection.
  • Allergy – can occur within minutes of the injection and we have full medical facilities to hand.

SEEK ADVICE IF YOU ARE AT ALL CONCERNED

You should avoid vigorous activity for 48 hours and modify activities for up to two weeks to allow the medication to take effect.

A few patients report increased stiffness and pain for 24-48 hours, but this settles quickly.

The small plaster dressing can be removed after 24 hours.

If the injection has worked, they can be repeated every 3-4 months, a general rule of thumb, is 3 injections a year into a joint. There is a small risk of frequent injections causing cartilage damage, especially in weight bearing joints such as the knee.

If your joint becomes red, hot, swollen and very painful or you become unwell with a temperature contact your GP or Consultant

Appointments
01733 842 309    janesj@live.co.uk

TESTIMONIALS

Conscious, professional takes time to explain the procedure and put the patient completely at ease. Post operative I was fully informed of how the procedure went and what to expect in the way of pain and discomfort. In my case I did not suffer much pain, this I put down the skill of the surgeon. The discomfort was well managed, and I found the experience to far less daunting than I expected, again I put this down the the surgeon and his team. My last consultation was a pleasant and informative experience. I have total confidence in Mr Rupert Clifton. I have not had much experience of hospitals and surgery but if they are all like this why worry? I can see no way the service can be improved.

Written by a patient

Mr Rupert Clifton puts you at ease the minute you walk into his office. When it came to having my knee op I was a little scared as I don't like hospitals but should I have to have my other knee sorted then Mr Clifton will be my choice, it was a nice experience and I think that comes from not only Mr Clifton but also his staff. Excellent service.

Written by a patient

An excellant service, I was always kept well informed and made to feel safe and well, my new knee feels like it is my own but pain free with almost no signs of the operation scar. I would recommend Mr Clifton to anyone needing surgery and I would not hesitate to have any further surgery carried out by him but hopefully this will never be required.

Written by a patient

Although it is now several weeks since my appointment with Mr Clifton I would like to say how good it was to be treated with respect and as a real person. My treatment was excellent and very successful, saving me a serious operation. I cannot praise Mr Clifton enough.

Written by a patient

Mr Clifton was very attentive at all times and explained the procedure of my operation in great detail and listened to my concerns and questions. He also made me feel at ease in his manner that gave me the confidence to ask questions. As a patient it is very important to feel looked after and Mr Clifton had an extremely warm but professional manner which made me feel that I was in good hands.

Written by a patient