Ultrasound-guided joint aspiration at our Station House clinic in Sandbach, Cheshire. Draining excess fluid from a swollen knee, ankle or other joint, usually alongside a steroid injection, can quickly ease pain and improve movement.
- £125, in addition to other procedures
- Most often the knee or ankle
- Every procedure guided by live ultrasound
- Often combined with a steroid injection
What is a joint aspiration?
Acute and chronic joint injuries are often associated with a lot of swelling and pain, especially at the knee and ankle. Inflammation is a necessary part of healing, but excessive and stubborn long-standing swelling can affect how the joint works and its long-term health.
A joint aspiration draws out that excess fluid (an effusion) so the joint can move and heal more comfortably.
How it works
Using ultrasound guidance, a needle is placed into the cavity of the joint and the excess fluid is drawn out with a syringe. This can range from 5ml to 150ml of fluid, and when done alongside a corticosteroid injection it is associated with an immediate improvement in pain and function.
An aspiration is sometimes needed before another injection, such as hyaluronic acid, to reduce swelling and improve pain, function and quality of life. Our guide to knee injections explains how the options fit together.
Joint aspiration price
A joint aspiration costs £125 on top of the procedure it is done with, for example a steroid injection at £275.
Who will treat you
Every injection is performed by Ben Harper, our Injection Service Lead, under live ultrasound imaging so the needle is placed exactly where it is needed. Ben was a lead clinician for Team GB at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games and holds a postgraduate certificate in musculoskeletal ultrasound. After an aspiration, our physiotherapists can help you rebuild strength and movement in the joint.
How to get started
- Register for an injection. The form covers your symptoms, medical history and consent.
- Our team reviews your registration. If you have recent imaging or a consultant referral that confirms your diagnosis, you may be able to book your aspiration directly.
- Not sure what is causing your pain? Book a pre-injection consultation, where Ben uses ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and talks you through the options.
- After your appointment you will receive a letter outlining the findings and treatment, including any medication and dosage, to pass on to your GP.
Joint aspiration near Crewe, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich
Looking for a joint aspiration in Cheshire? All of our injections take place at Station House in Sandbach, on the corner of Sandbach station and less than a minute’s walk from the platform. It is the first stop after Crewe and there is plenty of parking.
Patients travel to us from Crewe (about six miles), Middlewich (about four miles), Holmes Chapel, Northwich and across Cheshire, and you do not need a GP referral. Find out more about our joint injection service.
