To inject yourself into the thigh muscle tissue, you must have basic skills in using a syringe, needle and injection solution. It is recommended to resort to these therapeutic actions only in extreme cases, when there are no close people or medical workers nearby who can administer the drug intramuscularly.
Independent use of injection solutions requires compliance with safety rules, as well as a number of preparatory procedures that minimize the risk of complications.
Can I inject myself?
Injections into the muscle tissue of the outer thigh can be performed independently without the help of strangers. In order to administer the drug by injection to yourself, you should study in detail the provisions of the instructions that regulate the conduct of this kind of therapeutic measures.
Only if you have basic knowledge about the anatomical structure of the hip, the location of the lateral and deltoid muscles, and the possible risk of developing unwanted complications, can you begin independent treatment.
If you have the slightest doubt, a feeling of fear or an attack of panic that appears at the sight of a medical needle, it is recommended to refuse to inject the medication without the help of strangers.
Correct needle insertion site
The insertion of a syringe needle for the purpose of a therapeutic procedure can be carried out into the muscles of the buttock or the outer side of the thigh. These are the main areas of the human body that are best suited for intramuscular injections. In some cases, shoulder tissue may be used.
Where to give injections in the thigh
If there is a need to inject into the outer side of the thigh, then it is necessary to use that part of the lower limb that is located at a distance of 20-25 cm below the hip joint. This area of the leg has sufficient muscle mass density, and the injection of a medicinal solution will be as convenient and safe as possible.
Where can I give myself intramuscular injections?
An unsure trainee who has never given an intramuscular injection should carefully choose the injection site. It is better, of course, to use the gluteal region and thigh for this.
So for an injection in the buttock, you need to choose the outer quadrant at the top of the muscle. And conditional lines are drawn along certain landmarks:
- The vertical line should connect the sacrum to the middle point of the buttock area.
- The horizontal line runs along the greater trochanter of the femoral bone tissue. If desired, the points can be felt with your fingers.
To avoid hitting the sciatic nerve, before injecting, double-check that you have chosen the correct injection site. To be extra sure, draw a mark on the skin.
Intramuscular injection site
How to choose the femoral area on the leg for injection?
Some people prefer to get the injection in the thigh because this area is more accessible than the back of the body. Exactly one third of the thigh is suitable for this. See photo below. The thigh is mentally divided into three parts: back, middle and front. The injection can be done in the upper and middle areas.
The process should be carried out in comfortable conditions - sit on a chair or sofa, then determine the area for the injection and give the injection. The steps to prepare and carry out the procedure are the same as for an injection in the buttock.
It happens that for therapy it is not enough to make just one injection; in this case, you need to alternate all possible places so as not to inject drugs into the same area. In this case, you should follow all the above instructions to avoid the formation of bumps from injections.
Injection site: thigh
IMPORTANT: In this process you will need to follow the rules. To prevent the injection from being painful, inject the syringe quickly and inject the solution smoothly and slowly. In the case when you change the needle after drawing the solution of the desired drug into the syringe, do not remove the plastic cap from the new needle until you put it on the product for injection.
It is very convenient to practice making injections on chicken flesh with an old syringe. This way you will understand how hard to press the syringe and how to administer the medicine. If a person is naturally inclined to be thin, then for convenience you should form a fold and only then insert the syringe. In addition, when forming a “roller”, it is important not to grab the muscles with your fingers. Only fat is needed in the fold.
What is required for the procedure?
It is necessary to give injections in the thigh to yourself only after carrying out high-quality hygiene of the surface of the hands.
To carry out this therapeutic procedure, you will need to have the following items available:
- a sterile disposable syringe with a capacity of 2, 5, 10 ml, complete with a standard medical needle intended for intramuscular administration;
- a bottle or ampoule with a liquid medicinal solution that is indicated for use for therapeutic purposes;
- detailed instructions for using the drug to be injected into the outer thigh (before giving the injection, you must re-read the section on the dosage regimen);
- a pack of sterile medical cotton wool or pre-prepared napkins, tampons, which are used for antiseptic treatment of the skin surface of the thigh;
- ethyl alcohol 96% concentration, intended for disinfection of the tissue area into which the medicinal solution will be injected;
- a pair of medical gloves, the packaging of which is opened immediately at the time of therapeutic manipulations.
A medical needle for performing an intramuscular injection must have a length of at least 3 cm. This will minimize the appearance of unpleasant sensations after its introduction into the muscle tissue, and will also ensure the deepest possible application of the drug.
The components of the injection solution will act much faster, which will significantly increase the likelihood of a positive therapeutic effect.
Using a syringe with a needle that is too short can lead to the injection of an injection solution into the area of subcutaneous fatty tissue, which will subsequently cause local tissue inflammation, as well as the development of other undesirable complications.
Preparation for the procedure
Injections in the thigh should be given to yourself only after high-quality preparatory measures have been completed. This is a prerequisite for successful treatment without the help of medical personnel.
Preparation for self-administration of an injectable drug into the outer side of the thigh muscles involves the following steps:
- You need to take a bar of laundry soap and thoroughly wash your hands using warm water. Dry your skin with a clean and dry towel.
- Then you will need to open the package of medical gloves and put them on your hands, ensuring maximum sterility.
- The ampoule with the drug is shaken to ensure uniform mixing of all components, and then its surface is wiped with cotton wool, which has been previously moistened in 96% concentration of ethyl alcohol. These actions are aimed at disinfecting the bottle of medication.
- The tip of the ampoule with the injection solution must be carefully filed with an abrasive element, which should come with the drug, and then its glass top must be broken off.
- Open the package with a disposable sterile syringe.
- Place a medical needle on top of the syringe, remove the protective cap, and then insert it into the glass ampoule with the injection solution.
- Pull the plunger of the syringe so that a sufficient amount of liquid medication enters its cavity. In this case, it is necessary to remember the dosage regimen of the drug, avoiding the use of too large doses.
- Squeeze out the remaining air bubbles from the syringe that got into it during filling with the injection solution. These actions stop immediately as soon as the first drops of medication begin to flow from the needle hole.
At this stage, the specified organizational measures aimed at preparing for self-administration of the drug into the muscles of the outer thigh are considered completed.
To maintain maximum sterility, the injection is recommended to be given immediately. The disposable syringe is disposed of immediately after injecting the solution into the tissue of the lateral or deltoid muscle.
Basic safety rules when injecting yourself in the thigh
Injections in the thigh must be given to yourself with extreme caution so as not to damage large blood vessels and peripheral nerves.
A prerequisite for self-therapy with injection administration of drugs is compliance with the following safety rules:
- it is strictly forbidden to reuse a disposable syringe and needle, since such actions are fraught with infection of the tissues in the area of the injection;
- if it is necessary to carry out long-term drug therapy using intramuscular injections, it is necessary to alternate the left and right sides of the thighs in order to eliminate the factor of the formation of extensive hematomas;
- You should not inject into the same point of the thigh tissue, as this will lead to the appearance of symptoms of acute pain and will also cause the development of inflammatory processes;
- use imported syringes, as they are distinguished by sharper and thinner needles that do not cause severe pain in the area of their insertion, having minimal trauma to epithelial and muscle tissues;
- before intramuscular administration of the drug, it is always necessary to perform an antiseptic treatment of the skin surface to avoid complications;
- If minimal signs of an inflammatory process or the onset of subcutaneous bleeding or the formation of an extensive hematoma appear, you must immediately seek medical help.
It is important to remember that at the moment of self-injection into the outer thigh, the lower limb should be relaxed. For this purpose, the leg is placed on a flat surface, since excessive tension can provoke involuntary contraction of the muscle with damage to its tissue structure. A similar reaction occurs immediately at the moment of needle insertion.
How to do it right
To give yourself an injection, you need to take the most comfortable position. Intramuscular injections into the thigh are considered painful, so it is preferable to inject into the gluteal muscle. But if this is not possible, then you need to choose the right injection site in the thigh. To do this, sit on a hard chair with your knees bent. The part of the thigh that is not above the femur, but above the stool, is the most suitable site for administering the drug.
It is best to inject into the lateral muscle, in its middle third. If you have to inject yourself into an emaciated person, you must first gather the skin into a fold, like a Shar Pei. A needle will need to be inserted into the collected skin, this will allow the medication to be injected directly into the muscle. The same technique for administering the drug must be followed if injecting a thin child.
It is forbidden to make intramuscular injections into the thigh of the leg if the intended injection site is inflamed or damaged. In such a situation, you need to choose a different site for administering the medicine.
When carrying out this medical procedure, it is important to follow these rules:
- The injection sites of the drug should be changed, it is better to give injections in different legs;
- reusing syringes and needles is strictly prohibited;
- Before administering the drug, all air bubbles should be released from the syringe.
It is important to relax the muscle as much as possible before inserting the needle; failure to comply with this recommendation will cause severe pain.
To myself
Many people find it easier to inject themselves than to go to the hospital or look for a person who knows how to give intramuscular injections.
Before injecting yourself with medicine for the first time, you should familiarize yourself with the technique; it is easier to inject yourself into the leg than into the gluteal muscle. What do you think are the most important factors when choosing a medical facility?
The drug is administered at home as follows. To give yourself an intramuscular injection, the patient must:
- draw the medicine into the syringe;
- sit on a chair, relax the thigh muscle as much as possible for the injection;
- wipe the intended injection site with an antiseptic;
- insert the needle into the muscle with a sharp movement (for people of average build, to get into the muscle tissue, it is enough to insert it 2/3 of the length);
- press the syringe plunger so that the medicine completely enters the muscle;
- remove the syringe and needle from the leg;
- Apply a cotton ball or disk soaked in antiseptic to the injection site.
The area where the drug was injected can be lightly massaged. This speeds up the process of resorption of the medicine, prevents the formation of compactions and hematomas.
Is it possible to inject yourself?
According to doctors, it is better to entrust injections to professionals. But if it is not possible to regularly go to the hospital or call a nurse at home, then you can learn how to give injections yourself.
Patients have the right to give themselves intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. But it’s better to first see how to give the injection correctly. When performing the procedure independently, the patient can relax as much as possible and choose the most comfortable position.
You can reduce pain if you pre-treat the skin with a gel that contains lidocaine.
Every adult has the right to start giving themselves injections; intramuscular injections in the thigh are the most acceptable option. Although some people prefer to inject the drug into their buttocks. You can do this by standing half-turned in front of a mirror.
The need to self-administer medications is most often encountered by people who have to inject drugs (most often insulin) rather than intramuscular injections. In such a situation, doctors tell and show how to properly give a subcutaneous injection yourself, and explain how to avoid complications.
To another person
It is easier to inject another person's leg than it is to inject yourself. If possible, it is better to inject the patient in the gluteal muscle, but if necessary, give an injection in the thigh. To do this, the patient should be placed on his back and asked to relax. The needle must be inserted into the middle third of the anterior thigh.
The manipulation technique does not differ from the one that is recommended to be followed when administering drugs to oneself. If it is necessary to make an intramuscular injection, then the needle must be inserted perpendicular to the skin. When performing subcutaneous injections, the needle is inserted into the skin fold at an angle of 45°.
How to give an injection correctly?
The most common methods of administering drug therapy in the form of injection solutions are injections into the deltoid, gluteal and lateralis muscles.
During a long course of treatment, the use of these areas of the body can be alternated to avoid the development of an inflammatory process in the tissues of the muscular system. At the same time, it is always necessary to follow the rules for the safe administration of medications that are available in the form of medicinal solutions.
Injection into the deltoid muscle
The deltoid muscle covers the entire front and side of the shoulder and is also distinguished by its dense tissue structure.
In order to inject yourself into this area of the body, you must adhere to the following algorithm of actions:
- Carry out all organizational activities dedicated to preparing for the injection of medication.
- Soak a piece of sterile cotton wool or a previously prepared swab in 96% concentration of ethyl alcohol.
- Perform an antiseptic treatment of the skin surface of the shoulder, wiping it thoroughly.
- Visually divide the deltoid muscle into 4 even squares.
- Bring the syringe with the exposed needle to the skin surface of the shoulder.
- Using a smooth and precise movement, insert the medical needle of the syringe into the upper right segment of the deltoid muscle to a depth of 2 cm.
- Slowly administer the injection solution contained in the cavity of the disposable syringe. Depending on the type of medication, a faster or slower injection of the medication may be required. In this case, you must carefully read the instructions for use of the drug.
- After administering the injection solution, it is necessary to slowly remove the syringe needle from the deltoid muscle tissue.
- Immediately cover the injection area with a clean piece of cotton wool, which has been previously moistened in 96% concentration of ethyl alcohol.
- Hold the cotton wool for the next 10 minutes, and then dispose of it in the prescribed manner. If signs of bleeding of the tissues located at the injection site appear, it is necessary to re-moisten the cotton wool in ethyl alcohol and hold it on the surface of the wound for another 10-15 minutes.
After injection of the drug into the deltoid muscle, mild discomfort may persist in the tissues of the shoulder. The appearance of more severe symptoms in the form of acute pain that does not stop for several days requires additional examination by a general practitioner or surgeon.
During the injection, the hand into which the drug is injected should be in the most relaxed state. This will reduce the severity of pain.
Injection into the lateralis muscle
It is not difficult to give injections in the thigh to yourself, but performing this type of procedure requires composure, a steady hand and maximum concentration. In order for the injection of the drug to be carried out technically correctly, the following instructions must be observed:
- Take a piece of sterile cotton wool, soak it in 96% concentration of ethyl alcohol, and then perform an antiseptic treatment on the outer surface of the thigh.
- Visually divide the lateralis muscle into 4 identical segments located 20 cm below the hip joint.
- Place the lower limb on a flat surface, completely relax its muscles, and place a cushion made of a towel or a piece of dense fabric under the knee joint. This will avoid reflex muscle contraction, which can occur immediately at the time of the injection.
- Insert a medical needle from a disposable syringe into the lower right segment of the lateral muscle, immersing it into the body to a depth of 2 cm.
- Slowly and without sudden movements, administer the injection solution until it is completely injected into the tissues of the lower limb.
- Smoothly remove the needle from the outer side of the thigh, and wipe the injection site with sterile cotton wool soaked in a 96% alcohol solution. Then you should press the cotton wool against the wound to avoid increased bleeding of the damaged area of the body.
- Hold the cotton wool for the next 10-15 minutes.
During the injection, it is necessary to keep the syringe as level as possible. The needle should not be directed at an acute angle, as in this case the injection will be too painful and may cause undesirable complications.
After injection of the drug, you should refrain from sudden movements for 20 minutes. The leg should be on a flat surface without being subject to physical stress.
How to give an injection to another person
The instructions are quite simple:
- Make sure you have all the necessary items and materials - medicine (solution or powder and distilled water), medical alcohol, a syringe with a sterile disposable needle, disposable gloves, sterile cotton wool, a disposable towel.
- Place all items on a table or in a tray so that everything is within reach.
- Wash your hands with soap and dry with a towel.
- Ask the patient to lie on his stomach and relax. There is no need to give an injection while sitting or, especially, standing - the muscles will be tense, which can cause severe pain.
- Set up lighting.
- Wear disposable gloves and moisten them with alcohol using a napkin or cotton wool.
- If the medicine is available in powder form, prepare a solution. To do this, fill the syringe with distilled water in the required volume, pierce the rubber cap with a needle and inject the water into the bottle, shake several times until completely dissolved.
- Completely bleed the air from the syringe by turning it upside down with the needle and lightly pressing the plunger.
- Visually mark a cross in the center of the buttock.
- Select the upper right corner (“northeast”) and lubricate the surface with a cotton swab and alcohol.
- Take the syringe just like you would a dart or pen.
- With a quick and confident movement (no need to be afraid), inject the syringe 2/3 of the way. In this case, the needle should be positioned clearly perpendicular to the surface of the skin (at a right angle of 90 degrees).
- Gradually press the plunger and smoothly introduce the solution. This should be done as slowly as possible - 1 ml is injected over 7-10 seconds. It is this pace that provides the patient with maximum comfort.
- In one motion, remove the needle and lubricate the injection site with a cotton swab and alcohol.
- Don't forget to cap the needle so that no one gets pricked. Throw away the syringe - you won't need it anymore.
- Wash your hands, dispose of unnecessary materials (medicine bottle, packaging, etc.).
Attention!
If the solution with the medicine is cold, it must be taken out of the refrigerator in advance. If you don’t have time, you need to hold the bottle in your hands to warm it to room temperature.
Possible complications
Technically incorrect execution of the injection, or failure to comply with the basic rules of preparation for intramuscular injection of an injection solution, can lead to the development of various kinds of negative consequences.
The table below lists the main types of complications that occur in patients who perform self-injections into the outer thigh or deltoid muscle of the body.
Types of possible complications | Characteristics of the pathological process |
Hematoma | The formation of a hematoma in the area of injection of the drug occurs due to the fact that when the needle penetrates the muscle tissue, damage to a large vessel occurs. The blood enters the subcutaneous tissue, coagulates and forms a dense lump, which is quite painful to the touch. The lack of treatment for this complication leads to more severe consequences in the form of the development of an acute purulent-inflammatory process. In this case, the help of a surgeon may be required to sanitation the damaged tissue. For faster resorption of the resulting hematoma, regular treatment of the painful area with ointments and gels with angioprotective properties is recommended. |
Isolation of infiltrate | One of the most common complications that arise after self-performing intramuscular injections is the release of infiltrate, which accumulates in the subcutaneous space and soft tissues. The sacral fluid enters the surface of the epidermis and is distinguished by a rich reddish tint. A similar complication develops after a medicinal solution is injected into the same place for several days in a row without making a sufficient indentation. The release of infiltrate indicates the initial stage of the inflammatory process, which tends to progress. To eliminate this complication, a warm compress is applied to the surface of the outer thigh or deltoid muscle, and a mesh of medicinal iodine solution is also applied. |
Broken medical needle base | A complication in the form of a broken syringe needle may occur due to a violation of the technical rules for performing the injection. For example, if at the time of the injection the muscle tissue of a person’s lower limb was in a state of tension, or the needle was inserted into the body at an acute angle until the very beginning of its cannula. If such an unusual situation arises, it is necessary to remove the needle fragment using medical tweezers. If the metal part goes too deep into the tissue, then you should use the services of a surgeon. |
Purulent inflammation | This complication occurs due to the fact that a person who independently performs injections on the outer side of the thigh does not follow the rules of antiseptic skin treatment. During the injection of the drug, infection of soft tissues occurs, which are subsequently affected by bacterial, viral or fungal microorganisms. Purulent inflammation of the injection site is accompanied by the formation of a dense abscess, an increase in general and local body temperature, and the beginning of the process of tissue necrosis. |
Lump formation | The appearance of lumps in the area where the drug was injected without signs of acute pain is possible if a person independently administered injections, but did not follow safety rules. In conditions of prolonged hypothermia of the body, the solution hardens in the muscle tissues, and their natural trophism is disrupted. Ultimately, compactions form in the lateral or deltoid muscle, the elimination of which requires the use of drugs with absorbable properties or the method of their surgical removal is used. |
Nerve damage | In order to prevent this complication from occurring, it is necessary to inject directly into the muscle where there is no passage of peripheral nerves. A person who does not have knowledge about the anatomical structure of his body may mistakenly insert a syringe needle next to a nerve. As a result of performing these actions, an attack of acute pain occurs, a reflex contraction of the muscle tissue of the limb occurs, and their edematous state develops. The pain syndrome may persist for a long period of time. |
The occurrence of the above complications can be avoided if injections are performed technically correctly and safety rules are followed.
Intramuscular injection in St. Petersburg
An intramuscular injection in St. Petersburg is available in the treatment rooms of clinics or by calling a nurse to your home. However, you should take the choice of a medical institution very seriously: a seemingly simple procedure - an injection - can have serious negative consequences if performed unprofessionally.
Complications of injections include damage to nerve trunks and infiltrates (seals at the injection site that can develop into suppuration and an abscess).
Since its founding, the German Family Clinic has not had a single case of complications after an injection. Our team consists of nurses with rich and successful experience over many years. We use high-quality disposable syringes, maintain strict sterility and take full responsibility for each procedure performed.
Why does my leg hurt after an injection and what should I do?
Pain that persists for more than 1 hour after intramuscular injection may be caused by injury to a blood vessel or peripheral nerve. In this case, you need to seek medical help from a surgeon.
To give yourself an intramuscular injection into the outer thigh or deltoid muscle of the shoulder girdle, you must have basic knowledge of the anatomical structure of the human body. In this case, you should follow the rules of the instructions for inserting a medical syringe needle into soft tissues, and carefully carry out all stages of preparation for this therapeutic procedure.
Failure to comply with antiseptic body treatment measures, reuse of disposable syringes, prolonged hypothermia of the body can provoke the development of complications in the form of local inflammation, the formation of a purulent abscess, and multiple lumps.
How to give an intramuscular injection yourself
In this situation, the injection is placed in a slightly different place. Moreover, it is more difficult to act, since there is practically no review. It is best to seek help from another person, but in extreme cases, you can give an intramuscular injection to yourself. The procedure is performed like this:
- The preparatory work is exactly the same.
- Before giving the injection, you need to sit on a chair and relax your leg.
- The injection is placed in the upper thigh. To do this, three thirds are marked on the outer side of the thigh and the middle third is visually highlighted.
- The injection is given with a quick, confident movement, as in the previous case.
Advice
If a person is thin, it is easier for him to make a fold of muscles in the thigh area, as if pinching the tubercle with his thumb and forefinger. The fold should be small, and you need to ensure that only fat remains in it, but not muscle.