Soft tissue or
intra-articular H&L injection

Reducing pain and swelling in areas affected by chronic inflammation.

Effective and clinically proven techniques to assess and treat intra-articular disorders.

What is H&L?

H&L is the use of locally injected corticosteroid and short-acting anaesthetic to reduce pain and swelling caused by inflammation. Classically known as hydrocortisone and lignocaine (H&L), most practitioners now use triamcinolone as their corticosteroid of choice.

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and can be effective when delivered directly to the painful area, while minimising the potential side effects. Pain relief can last from days to years, allowing your body to better cope with any concomitant physical therapy.

Who is a candidate for H&L?

If you have pain from joint or soft-tissue inflammation, you may be a candidate for H&L. Typically your doctor would consider H&L if you have not responded to conservative treatments such as oral anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy and rest.

Corticosteroid injections should not be performed on patients with active infection, who are pregnant or have uncontrolled bleeding tendencies. Such injections may temporarily elevate blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes. You should inform your doctor if you have any past medical conditions and if you are taking any long-term medications. Your doctor should  then discuss the risks and benefits of such procedures with you based on your medical profile.

We provide injections to patients with:

  • trigger fingers
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathy or impingement
  • knee meniscal injury
  • pes anserinus tendinitis
  • tennis/golfer’s elbow
  • other inflammatory soft tissue or joint conditions

What is the process of soft-tissue or joint H&L?

The area for injection is first palpated and confirmed by your attending doctor. This area is then cleaned thoroughly before proceeding. A local anaesthetic spray or injection  given to numb the injection site. The injection is then given to the soft-tissue or joint as required. During the injection, you may experience a sense of tightness and pressure. In certain cases there may be an area of numbness due to the effect of the anaesthetic drug, this is expected and should wear-off within 24 hours.

After the injection, you may be asked to remain in the clinic for observation. In most cases, patients may leave shortly after the injection. There may be increased pain at the area for up to 48 hours after the injection. When in doubt or if concerned, always feel free to seek the opinion of the doctor who gave you the injection.

 

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We’re happy to speak with you about any queries you may have.