Consultant Orthopaedic Knee and Trauma Surgeon

Appointments
01733 842 309

  • National Ligament Registry
  • National Joint Registry
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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

Mr Clifton is always professional and willing to go the extra mile for patients and colleagues.

Written by a patient

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to Mr Clifton in particular but also to his whole team for the excellent treatment and aftercare service received following my total knee replacement. It has made a very positive improvement to my mobility. Long may you continue with your first class work.

Written by a patient

Mr Clifton has completed both TKR on me. With out any problems he has a confidence that shines in his work, I can say this as I was awake during both my procedures. He obviously has so much experience and enjoys using his abilities to promote the health of others. I personally had so much confidence in his highly qualified ability and was at ease during my operations. Great sense of humour too, which helped to relax me a lot. Thank you Mr Clifton.

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