The Effect of Vibratory Anesthesia on Patient Pain Perception in Corticosteroid Injections of the Upper Extremity

What this Trial Is About

This research study focuses on adults with clinically diagnosed bilateral arthritis, tendinopathy, arthropathy, or compression neuropathy affecting the hand, wrist, or elbow. It aims to evaluate and compare the pain experienced at the injection site during corticosteroid injections using different anesthetic methods. The study investigates how different anesthesia modes may influence pain perception during these injections, which are part of standard medical care. Participants receive two corticosteroid injections, one in each arm, during a single visit. The study uses a randomized design to assign each injection to one of three anesthesia combinations: no anesthesia with vapocoolant spray, no anesthesia with vibration anesthesia using the DigiVibe device, or vapocoolant spray combined with vibration anesthesia. The DigiVibe device applies vibratory stimulation to the skin during the injection to potentially reduce pain. During the approximately 20-minute visit, participants complete numeric pain rating scales immediately after each injection to report their pain levels. Researchers measure pain intensity at injection sites on the hand, wrist, and elbow. Secondary measures assess changes in pain from before to after injection. The study collects data on pain perception to determine which anesthesia method is linked to the least discomfort during corticosteroid injections.

Vibratory Anesthesia on Pain Following Corticosteroid Injections