What you need to know about Bursa Injection for joint pain

Do you have constant pain and swelling in your shoulder, knee, hip, or elbow? Sometimes it hurts so much that you can't even move your arm. This could be due to a condition called 'Bursitis'. So, one of the main treatments that doctors use to reduce this pain is a Bursa Injection. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

What is a Bursa Injection?

Simply put, this is an injection that is given to control the pain and swelling caused by a condition called bursitis. This injection mainly contains a steroid (for example, triamcinolone) that controls swelling . This steroid works by reducing swelling and relieving pain in the inflamed area.

Along with this steroid, an anesthetic is also mixed in to reduce the pain at the same time. That way, you won't feel any pain until the steroid starts working.

Who needs this injection? Let's first understand bursitis.

This injection is needed for people who are suffering from pain due to bursitis. Okay, now you are probably wondering what bursitis is.

Near our joints, where bones, muscles, and tendons meet, there are small, water-filled sacs called bursae. They are like the grease in a car's engine. They act as cushions that help our bones, muscles, and tendons move smoothly without rubbing or rubbing against each other .

Imagine, you keep doing the same thing, for example, kneeling on the floor doing housework, or you keep putting pressure on the same joint while playing sports. Or let's say you injured a joint in an accident. For reasons like these, the amount of fluid inside the bursa sacs I mentioned increases, and they start to swell. That's what we call bursitis .

What areas are treated with bursa injections?

There are over 160 bursae in our bodies. However, bursitis most commonly occurs in joints that we use frequently and perform repetitive movements. This injection mainly treats the following areas:

• Hip bursitis: Pain, especially on the side of the hip.
• Shoulder bursitis: Pain when raising or rotating the arm.
• Elbow bursitis: Swollen and painful elbow.
• Buttocks bursitis: Pain that occurs after sitting for a long time.
• Knee bursitis: The knee is swollen and painful when bending or extending.

What happens when the injection is given?

This is a very quick procedure, usually taking less than 10 minutes. You can get it done in the doctor's office (OPD). You can go home immediately after the injection. Sometimes, when the injection is given in deep areas like the hip or knee, an ultrasound scan may be used to check the exact location.

The treatment process is simply this:

1. Confirming the location: First, the doctor will ask you questions, examine you, and confirm the correct location for the injection.

2. Cleaning: Then the area is thoroughly cleaned with a disinfectant solution.

3. Numbness: Next, a numbing medicine is applied to the surface of the skin or a small injection is given to prevent you from feeling the pain when the needle is inserted.

4. Injection: Then, a thin needle is inserted through the skin and into the swollen bursa sac.

5. Applying a plaster: Finally, a small plaster is applied to the place where the needle was inserted.

You may feel a little pressure or discomfort when the injection is given, but it will go away in a few seconds. If you are having multiple areas treated, use a new, sterilized needle for each area.

Are there any side effects or risks to this?

Bursa injections are generally a very safe treatment. However, like any medical treatment, there are some minor side effects that can occur.

• There may be some pain, bruising, or swelling at the injection site for a day or two.
• There is a very small chance of infection occurring.
• Some people may experience a headache or a mild fever .
• There may be a dimpling or slight discoloration of the skin where the injection was given.

Things to pay special attention to

What should I do after the injection? (Recovery)

Because the injection contained a numbing medication, you won't feel any pain for the first few hours. Then, as the numbing wears off, you may feel some pain for a few days as the steroid medication takes effect. That's normal.

To recover quickly, follow your doctor's instructions exactly. This usually includes things like:

• Do not do any strenuous work (lifting weights, running, jumping) on ​​the injected joint for at least 24 hours .
• If there is pain or swelling, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for about 15-20 minutes.
• If the pain is severe, you can take a painkiller (e.g. paracetamol) or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) as directed by your doctor.
• Do not do anything like taking a bath or swimming pool for two days after the injection. However, there is no problem with taking a shower.

How long does the effect of this injection last?

This varies from person to person and depending on the joint in question. Some people can be pain-free for months or even years with a single injection. Others may experience permanent relief with a single treatment.

But remember, if you continue to do the same activity that caused the bursitis, which puts pressure on the joint, the pain can come back quickly.

Doctors usually recommend leaving at least three months between injections in the same area, as repeated, repeated steroid injections can damage the bursa, joint, and surrounding tendons.

When you should see a doctor immediately

Although it is usually not a big problem, if you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign of an infection. Therefore , immediately see the doctor who treated you or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Bursa injections are a very effective treatment for bursitis pain. However, to prevent the pain from coming back, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions. You may be told to reduce stress on the joint, wear a brace or sling, or do physiotherapy exercises. If your pain continues after the injection, talk to your doctor. Other treatments or surgery may be needed.

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