020 7916 0029 Call Patient portal Portal Register as a new patient Register Doctors portal Book Now Book Now

Not an emergency service. If you or someone else is seriously unwell — for example chest pain, breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding or collapse — call 999. For urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Recovery & Aftercare Guide

Joint & soft-tissue injections

Injection into a joint, tendon sheath or bursa to reduce pain and inflammation.

Important. Your individual instructions from your treating clinician take precedence over this general information. If anything here differs from what your clinician has told you, follow your clinician’s advice and contact the hospital if you are unsure.

Overview

A joint or soft-tissue injection places medication directly into a painful joint, tendon sheath or bursa.

It is used to reduce inflammation and pain, often to allow physiotherapy and rehabilitation to progress.

The appointment takes around 30 minutes. Any benefit typically begins within a few days and may last weeks to months. It is not a permanent cure.

Before your procedure

  • Tell the team about all medicines, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelets. Do not stop prescribed medicine unless instructed.
  • Tell the team if you have diabetes. Injected steroid can raise blood glucose for a few days and you may need to monitor more closely.
  • Tell the team if you have any infection anywhere in the body, or a fever. The injection will usually be postponed.
  • Mention allergies, particularly to local anaesthetic or contrast agents.
  • Eat and drink normally.
  • Wear clothing that gives easy access to the joint.
  • Arrange transport if a weight-bearing joint or your driving leg is being injected.

What happens on the day

  1. The joint is examined and the injection site identified and cleaned.
  2. Local anaesthetic may be used first. The injection itself causes pressure and brief discomfort.
  3. The procedure is short. You will usually be asked to move the joint gently afterwards.
  4. You may be observed for a short period before leaving.
  5. You will be given written aftercare and told what to expect over the following days.

Aftercare

Immediate numbness

If local anaesthetic was used, the joint may feel better immediately and then ache again as it wears off. This does not mean the injection has failed.

Post-injection flare

Increased pain for 24 to 48 hours affects some people. Rest, ice over clothing and simple pain relief usually settle it.

Rest

Rest the joint for the first 24 to 48 hours. Avoid loading it heavily.

Activity

Gentle movement is encouraged. Avoid high-impact activity, heavy lifting and sport for around 2 weeks.

Physiotherapy

Continue or start physiotherapy as advised. The injection creates a window in which rehabilitation is more effective.

Driving

Do not drive immediately after an injection into your driving leg, or while the joint feels unstable or numb.

Work

Desk work usually the same or next day. Manual work may need a few days.

Diabetes

Monitor blood glucose more closely for several days if you have diabetes, as levels may rise temporarily.

Skin changes

Thinning or lightening of the skin at the injection site can occur occasionally. Mention it at follow-up.

Follow-up

A review is usually arranged to assess benefit and plan next steps. There is a limit to how often injections should be repeated at the same site.

Typical recovery timeline

Timings are typical and vary between individuals.
WhenWhat to expect
First 24 hoursPossible short-lived relief from local anaesthetic, then aching returns.
Days 1 to 2Post-injection flare possible. Rest, ice over clothing, simple pain relief.
Days 3 to 7Anti-inflammatory effect usually begins.
Weeks 2 to 6Peak benefit. The best window for physiotherapy.
Weeks 6 onwardsBenefit may persist for weeks to months. Review to plan next steps.

Red flags — when to seek help

These lists are not exhaustive. Trust your judgement and seek advice if you are worried.

Emergency Call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department

  • A hot, swollen, very painful joint with fever or feeling unwell, which can indicate joint infection and needs same-day assessment
  • Spreading redness from the injection site
  • Severe pain that is worsening rather than settling after 48 hours

Contact us Contact the hospital, or call NHS 111 out of hours

  • Persistent numbness, weakness or pins and needles beyond the expected anaesthetic period
  • Pus or discharge from the injection site
  • Blood glucose that is difficult to control if you have diabetes
  • No improvement at all by 2 to 3 weeks

Tower Bridge Hospital, 97–99 Whitechapel Road, London E1 1DT. Telephone 020 7916 0029. If in doubt and the situation is not life-threatening, call NHS 111.

Frequently asked questions

How long will the injection last?

Benefit varies widely, from a few weeks to several months. It relieves symptoms rather than curing the underlying problem.

Why does it hurt more at first?

A post-injection flare in the first 24 to 48 hours is a recognised reaction. It usually settles with rest and simple pain relief.

How often can injections be repeated?

There is a limit to how often the same site should be injected. Your clinician will explain what is appropriate for you.

Should I still do physiotherapy?

Yes. The injection is most useful as a window for rehabilitation rather than as a treatment on its own.

More information

Clinical reviewer
Dr Haydar Bolat, Clinical Director
Review date
21 July 2026
Review by
21 July 2027
Version
1.0
Book Now