Sometimes you feel unbearable pain in a place like your shoulder, knee, or elbow, right? Maybe it's a little swollen. The cause of this could be a condition called 'Bursitis'. So, at a time like this, a doctor might recommend a 'Bursa Injection' for you. Today, we'll talk about this in detail, very simply.
What is a bursa? How does bursitis develop?
Okay, let's first understand this simply. Think of our joints as moving parts of a machine. In order for these parts to work smoothly without rubbing against each other, there needs to be something like 'grease' between them. Similarly, these 'bursa' are small fluid-filled sacs that help our bones, muscles, and tendons move easily without rubbing against each other. These are part of our skeletal system.
However, when you use the same joint over and over again, or when something happens to it, these bursae become swollen and filled with fluid, causing pain. We call this 'bursitis' . When this swelling occurs, the joint's range of motion decreases, which causes pain when the joint is moved.
So, doctors give this bursa injection to reduce the pain and swelling caused by bursitis. This usually involves injecting a steroid (such as triamcinolone) that reduces pain and swelling, along with an anesthetic. The anesthetic will provide you with pain relief while the steroid takes effect.
What joints are most commonly affected by bursitis?
You might be surprised to learn that we have about 160 bursa sacs in our bodies! But bursitis most commonly occurs in joints that we use frequently and put a lot of weight on. For example:
- Shoulder joint (Subacromial bursitis)
- Hip joint (Trochanteric bursitis)
- Elbow (Olecranon bursitis)
- Knee (Pre-patellar bursitis)
- Buttock area (Hamstring bursitis)
What happens when the injection is given?
This is a very quick, simple procedure that takes less than 10 minutes. You can have it done in your doctor's office and go home. Sometimes, when giving the injection into deep joints like the hip or knee, the doctor may use ultrasound technology to help guide the injection into the right place. Let's take a look at the steps.
| Steps | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Confirmation | The doctor will confirm the treatment you need and where it should be performed. |
| 2. Cleaning | The injection site is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic solution. |
| 3. Numbness | A numbing medicine is applied to the surface of the skin or injected with a small needle. |
| 4. Giving the injection | A very fine needle is inserted through the skin into the swollen bursa and the medicine is injected. |
You may feel a little pressure or discomfort when the injection is given, but it only lasts for a few seconds.
Are there side effects and risks?
This is generally a very safe treatment, but as with any medical treatment, minor side effects can occur.
There may be some discomfort, bruising, or swelling in the joint for a day or two after the injection. There is also a very small risk of infection. Other side effects include:
- Headache
- A slight fever
- Skin discoloration or pitting where the injection was given
Important! One thing to remember in particular is that this steroid injection may cause your blood pressure and blood sugar levels to rise slightly for a day or two . If you have diabetes or high blood pressure , you will need to be extra careful for a few days after the injection. It is important to discuss this with your doctor beforehand and discuss any additional medications you may need.
What should I do after the injection?
If a numbing medicine is added to the injection, you will get immediate pain relief for a few hours. After that, it may take a few days for the steroid medicine to take effect and the swelling to go down. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions during this time.
- Avoid strenuous activities that put pressure on the joint where the injection was given for at least 24 hours .
- To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to the area.
- To control pain and swelling, take painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid getting in a bathtub or swimming pool for two days after the injection. However, there is no problem taking a shower.
How long will this relief last? Can it be taken again?
How long the pain relief lasts varies from person to person and depends on the affected joint. Typically, this injection can reduce pain and swelling for several months to a year . Some people get permanent relief with just one injection. However, if you continue to engage in activities that put strain on the joint, bursitis symptoms can quickly return.
Doctors generally recommend leaving at least three months between injections into the same joint, as repeated injections can damage the bursa, joint, and surrounding tissues.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.
- Signs of an infection: fever, redness, swelling, or yellow discharge from the injection site.
- Severe, unbearable pain in the treated area.
- Severe bruising or bleeding .
- Decreased ability to move the treated joint.
Remember, bursa injections are a good, effective treatment for bursitis pain. But to prevent the condition from recurring, it is very important to follow your doctor's instructions. Limiting activities that put stress on the joint, wearing a brace or sling if necessary, and doing exercises that your doctor recommends can help prevent the condition from recurring. If your symptoms return after the injection, talk to your doctor about that as well.
Take-Home Message
- A bursa injection reduces joint pain and swelling caused by bursitis.
- This is a very quick and simple treatment, usually performed in the doctor's office.
- It is very important to follow instructions such as resting and applying ice for a few days after the injection.
- If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, be careful about your sugar and blood pressure levels for a few days after the injection and talk to your doctor about it.
- If you have signs of infection, such as fever, severe pain, or fluid leaking from the injection site, see your doctor immediately.
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