the method of administering a cortisone injection to a joint is similar to that of soft-tissue injections. betadine however is more commonly used for sterilization of the skin over the joint. furthermore if there is an excessive amount of fluid within the joint it often is removed first with a separate syringe and needle prior to injection of the cortisone. removal of this joint fluid allows the doctor to examine the fluid and submit a sample to the laboratory for diagnosis. removal also rapidly relieves pain by reducing the pressure of the fluid within the joint. finally removal of fluid may allow the joint to heal more quickly.
how are cortisone injections of a joint given?