Postinjection Care and Education

With an increasing number of injections and aspirations performed every year, it is important to emphasize the value of standardized aftercare of high quality. Taking into consideration that unspecific injection-site reactions are common, we have shed light on several important steps in patient aftercare. This chapter focuses on limiting possible bleeding, applying pressure with hypothermal addition, covering the area with appropriate dressing, mobilization and return to activity, postinjection pain, and at last elective surgery after injections. Treatment after the procedures may include cooling the local area with ice or more systematic treatment with pain-relieving medications like paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Information about possible side effects like swelling, warmth, or redness is to be given to all patients, and care should be taken not to miss more serious side effects like systemic fever or fever spikes. The area of injection or aspiration should be held under close control for at least the following 24 h after the procedure. Bath is not recommended on the same day of the treatment, while taking a shower is allowed using waterproof dressing.