Have you driven home yourself after an injection into your right knee with local anaesthetic?

[Alternatively]

Hi, I don’t have an automatic car and the knee to be treated is my right one, I know the local anaesthetic is meant to numb your knee, but I would have thought it’s your ankle (and maybe your hip) on your right side that’s moving when driving, and so if your knee is numb would that matter?

I’d be grateful to hear from anyone that has experienced the anaesthetic and knee joint injection together to let me know how they felt? If your knee is numb I presume you can still walk out of the clinic??

The injection is to be Hyalauronic Acid (or viscosupplementation)

Has anyone had this without anaesthetic?

[helenlw7]

I have had several injections with local anaesthetic in my knee, and I’ve always driven home, because my husband has dementia so doesn’t drive. My car was a manual at this time.

[Alternatively in reply to helenlw7]

Thankyou for replying helenlw7, what type of injection did you have?

All the advice is not to drive home but they don’t give a reason why you can’t. So it’s great to hear that you did!!

[helenlw7 in reply to Alternatively]

They were steroid injections. After I got home I rested for a bit.

[Alternatively in reply to helenlw7]

Yes, I’ll definitely rest when I get home. Thanks helen.

[Runrig01]

I’ve had several steroid injections in my knee, and always driven myself home the 25 miles. It doesn’t cause numbness to the joint itself, it just reduces the initial pain from the fluid being injected. They do advise resting the joint for 24-48hrs, but that’s just a case of not overdoing things.

[Alternatively in reply to Runrig01]

Thanks for letting me know Runrig, I do appreciate it.

[Fruitandnutcase]

Many years ago I had a steroid epidural for spinal problems and the consultant told me to bring someone with me to drive in case my leg went numb - well I was terrified and by the time I got there I imagined myself as being numb (well paralysed) from my foot to my neck. The consultant got wind of that and thought it was hysterical.

In the end I had no problems at all - he said he had to warn patients just in case. You could always phone your clinic and ask.

Hope your procedure goes well.

[Alternatively in reply to Fruitandnutcase]

I can imagine it would be scarey having an epidural, my imagination would go into overdrive too!!

[rmros]

I've only had this for steroid injections in the knee. The anaesthetic wears off pretty quickly. I haven't driven home after my injections but I could have. If I was okay to get the bus then I'm sure that was less restful than driving. I wouldn't want a joint injection without aneasthetic tbh. It's not too painful but it's not the nicest feeling.

[Alternatively in reply to rmros]

That’s really good to know, many thanks rmros!

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi I would not drive home if I was you ,I've always been told not to , and at first how I got to hospital ,and not drive right away and also take it easy the first week for injection to work ,as it could effect it working etc ,

I got lift home first time ,and taxi next time

[wilbertjellyfish]

I'm assuming you were told not to drive?? This is because you need to move your knee as little as possible for 48hrs post injection to ensure the steroid stays in your knee and works. It's not because you couldn't drive. If you have no other options but to drive then you will be able to drive but it's important to limit your movement for a better result.Could you ask a friend to take you in and bring you home,?

[Neonkittie17 in reply to wilbertjellyfish]

Exactly what I’ve always been told. It’s 48 hours of not using the knee much and the first 24 are essential movement only. They work for me for over 6 months before they start to wear off and I do exactly as instructed. My rheumy makes you leave in a wheelchair from the treatment room to go wait for your lift so you’re not standing up waiting. She says directly after the shot you need to keep the injection fluid as close to the joint as possible for best results.

[Alternatively in reply to Neonkittie17]

That’s really interesting…… what type of injection did you have?

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Alternatively]

Hydrocortisone injection(s) preceded by an anaesthetic injection to the joint. I was referring to the knees as that was what you posted about.

[FLS1]

Hi. I was advised not to drive after the injection, and that I must have someone with me to drive home. I have an automatic car.

[gussmithy]

Aside from the issue of resting your knee, if you have an accident then your insurance company will not pay out. If you have no other option then ask the hospital for hospital transport. Hope all goes well.

[Jollyjill]

I just had Synvisc (visco-supplementation) injected into both knees, the 2nd of a 3-injection course. No local anesthetist and I had no pain or discomfort in either knee also was able to drive home. Now, 3 days later, my knees are still pain-free!

[Alternatively in reply to Jollyjill]

That’s great news Jollyjill. Thankyou so much for letting me know!!

[OKShakespeare]

I had hyaluronic acid injected in both knees and driven home 5 times without any issues. However, I have never had an anesthetic and it would seem to me as if the anesthetic would be more pain than just having the hyaluronic acid. 1 injection is better than 2 in my humble opinion. It wasn't very painful when you consider the pain scale of 10.

[Alternatively in reply to OKShakespeare]

That’s really good to know, I appreciate you sharing, thankyou!

[GOOD_GRIEF]

why risk it? Get a relative or a friend to help you out.

[Alternatively in reply to GOOD_GRIEF]

It’s tricky as they work. But yes, that would be the ideal option.

[Wobbies]

If you have been told not to drive, isn't the concern that it might invalidate your insurance?

[Alternatively in reply to Wobbies]

I haven’t been told not to drive, it was just something I had read about online while researching knee joint injections. But good point about car insurance!

[Stills]

had one in my foot recently and the information was not to drive home and I believe it could invalidate your insurance if you do and anything happened. Best to be on the safe side I feel.

[Wobbies]

Yes I only say that as I went for a procedure once not having been told I could not drive until they were about to start so had to leave car and get a taxi. It was the nurse who pointed out the insurance issue,

[Alternatively in reply to Wobbies]

Oh that must have been a hassle, having to get the car back home again!

[Wobbies in reply to Alternatively]

Yes it was and it was costly as the hospital is 35 miles away.

[Jacey15]

Only thing is it will invalidate your insurance if you drive home after being told not to.

[Alternatively in reply to Jacey15]

Yes that’s a good point!