Soft Tissue Injections
What are Soft Tissue Injections?
Soft tissue injections are medical procedures where medications are injected directly into soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, or a bursa. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or skin, to reduce friction and allow smooth movement. Soft-tissue injections are commonly used to treat problems such as inflamed tendons (tendinitis) and bursas (bursitis) to alleviate pain and inflammation and improve function. Generally, soft tissue injections include the use of medications, such as lidocaine, corticosteroids, or other anti-inflammatory medications.
Indications for Soft-Tissue Injections
Soft-tissue injections are usually recommended when other conservative treatment measures, such as medications and physical therapy, have not been able to treat painful conditions, such as:
- Knee sprains
- Ankle sprains
- Shoulder rotator cuff injuries
- Groin strain
- Golfer’s and tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Preparation for Soft-Tissue Injections
In general, preparation for soft-tissue injections may include the following:
- A thorough medical history and physical examination are conducted to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
- Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, MRI, ultrasound) may be reviewed to identify the exact location of the problem.
- A review of your medication list and allergies. It is important to tell your physician if you are allergic to steroids or other medicines.
- The procedure, its benefits, risks, and potential complications are explained and you will sign an informed consent form.
Procedure for Soft-Tissue Injections
In general, the procedure for soft-tissue injections may involve the following steps:
- The skin over the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.
- The patient is positioned comfortably to allow easy access to the injection site. This might involve lying down, sitting, or positioning the limb in a specific manner.
- A local anesthetic may be applied to numb the skin and underlying tissues, especially if the injection site is sensitive.
- Using sterile technique, the healthcare provider inserts a needle into the targeted area.
- Imaging guidance (e.g., ultrasound, fluoroscopy) may be used to ensure accurate needle placement, especially for deep or complex structures.
- The medication (e.g., corticosteroid, lidocaine) is injected slowly into the soft tissue.
- The needle is carefully removed after the injection is complete.
- A small bandage or sterile dressing is applied to the injection site.
Post-Procedure Care
In general, post-procedure care for soft-tissue injections may include:
- The patient is observed for a short period to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.
- The patient is given post-procedure instructions, which may include:
- Resting the injected area for a specified period.
- Applying ice to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoiding strenuous activities for a few days.
- Watching for signs of infection or other complications, such as increased pain, redness, or swelling.
- Follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor progress and assess the effectiveness of the injection.
Risks and Side Effects
Risks and side effects of soft-tissue injections may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding or bruising
- Allergic reaction
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary increase in pain or inflammation
- Nerve or tissue damage (rare)
