What is Joint Aspiration?

Joint aspiration, also called arthrocentesis, is a medical procedure where a doctor uses a needle to remove fluid from a joint. It’s usually done to diagnose or treat joint problems.

Joint Aspiration

Why it’s done

Diagnosis:

To check for infections (septic arthritis)

To identify gout or pseudogout (crystals in the joint)

To evaluate unexplained joint swelling

Treatment:

Relieves pain and swelling caused by excess fluid (effusion)

Sometimes a corticosteroid is injected afterward to reduce inflammation

How it’s done

The skin over the joint is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic

A thin needle is inserted into the joint space

Fluid is withdrawn into a syringe for testing or simply to relieve pressure

The area is bandaged, and sometimes imaging (like ultrasound) guides the needle

Why Choose Chequers Health

Consultant Led Care

Fast and Effective Services

Modern and Comfortable Setting with Ample Parking

Patients from Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Wigan and the Northwest choose Chequers Health for professional Skin Minor Surgery

Our Treatment Process

Consultant-Led Care, Guided by Best Clinical Practice

Consultation

Your journey starts with a consultation with one of our specialists. During this appointment, we’ll assess the skin concern, review your medical history, and discuss suitable treatment options.

Procedure

The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic to ensure your comfort. Our clinicians carefully remove the lesion, mole, cyst, or other skin growth using a safe, minimally invasive technique.

Aftercare & Follow-Up

You’ll receive full aftercare instructions to help your skin heal properly.

Affordable Joint Aspiration

Consultation £50

30 minutes £139

1 hour £239

Contact Us for More Information

If you are interested in learning more about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us:

They are truly the best among all the centres offering a range of services, including intravenous iron infusions. The staff were exceptionally kind, professional, and genuinely caring — I felt completely comfortable and well looked after throughout my visit.

Marwa A

Our Consultants

Dr Ibrahim Hamami
Dr Ibrahim Hamami
Dr. Ibrahim Hamami is an experienced General Practitioner with over 30 years of medical expertise. A graduate of 1989, he has built a distinguished career grounded in excellence and patient-centred care. In addition to his extensive clinical background, Dr. Hamami has contributed to medical education as a trainer and examiner at King’s College and Imperial College London, and as a PLAB examiner. At our practice, Dr. Hamami leads our minor surgery services, providing skilled and compassionate care backed by decades of professional experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

JointAspiration, also called arthrocentesis, is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove excess fluid from a joint. It helps reduce pain, swelling, and pressure, and can also provide important diagnostic information about the cause of the fluid build-up.

Joint Aspiration is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes:

Diagnostic: Analysing the drained fluid can help identify conditions like infection, inflammation, or other joint disorders.

Therapeutic: Removing excess fluid relieves pain, improves joint movement, and prevents complications such as joint damage or prolonged swelling.

The procedure typically involves:

Preparation: Cleaning and sterilising the affected area.

Local anaesthesia: Numbing the area to minimise discomfort.

Needle insertion: A sterile needle drains the excess fluid from the joint.

Optional corticosteroid injection: To reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting pain relief.

JointAspiration  can be performed on most joints, including the knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist, and ankle, depending on where fluid has accumulated.

  • Pain relief by reducing pressure within the joint.
  • Improved mobility and joint function.
  • Prevention of complications such as infection or joint damage.
  • Diagnostic insights to guide further treatment.

Yes. joint aspiration is a safe, quick, and minimally invasive procedure when performed by experienced medical professionals. Sterile techniques and local anaesthesia are used to ensure comfort and minimize risks.

Many patients experience relief from pain and swelling immediately after the procedure. Full improvement in joint mobility may take a few days, especially if a corticosteroid injection is also administered.

Chequers Health is trusted by patients from Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Wigan, and surrounding areas for our expertise and patient-focused care. Our team ensures thorough evaluations, a safe environment, and comfortable procedures.

You can contact Chequers Health to book an appointment:

Anyone experiencing joint pain, swelling, or suspected effusion may benefit from fluid drainage. A consultation will determine if this procedure is appropriate for your condition.