Joint Aspiration
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.
Joint aspiration is a procedure to remove fluid from the space around your joint. It may be done on a joint such as the knee, hip, ankle, shoulder, elbow, or wrist. It may be used to find the cause of a swollen joint. Joint aspiration can also be done to help decrease pain caused by swelling and improve movement of your joint.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever or chills.
- You have redness or swelling at the injection site.
- You have more pain than usual in your joint for more than 72 hours.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
- Pain medicine may be given. Ask how to take this medicine safely.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Leave the bandage on for 8 to 12 hours. Care for your wound as directed.
- Rest the area as directed. You may need to decrease weight on certain joints, such as the knee, for a period of time. Ask when you can return to your daily activities.
- Elevate your limb. Elevate the limb above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your limb on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
- Apply ice on your joint to decrease swelling and pain. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel before you apply it to your joint. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
