When we are not sure about the precise diagnosis, simply taking a sample of fluid may be helpful. Unfortunately, it is not usually helpful for osteoarthritis or where the joint is too badly damaged. It is also useful for many other conditions where the tissues around joints and tendons are inflamed. These conditions include frozen shoulder, tendinitis, bursitis, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis. In many of these cases the effect is less dramatic, but you should usually get some pain relief to help you exercise the affected area.
Many patients are worried about the injections being painful.
The usual side effects of steroids such as weight gain are not usually a problem, as most of the steroid remains in the small area into which it is injected. Steroid injections just under the skin can cause a thinning of the tissue with a loss of pigment - rather like a tiny scar. If you are particularly worrried about the cosmetic effect of this please discuss your concern before the procedure. A rare complication is allergy to the steroid preparation - the appearance of a rash or a dramatic change of mood after the injection may be a clue to this. Some people get a 'crystal arthritis' after the injection, where the joint becomes quite sore and warm over the first 24-48 hours after the injection.