Can a $2 freeze spray take the ouch out of joint shots?

NCT ID NCT06651788

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether spraying a numbing coolant (ethyl chloride) on the skin before a corticosteroid injection reduces pain and anxiety. 300 adults receiving their first joint or soft-tissue injection will be randomly assigned to get either the freeze spray or a placebo cold saline spray. Researchers will measure pain scores and patient satisfaction to see if the spray makes a real difference.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

ethyl chloride (freeze spray)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a simple, low-cost way to make common joint injections less painful and anxiety-provoking.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-stage trial testing a temporary numbing spray. The effect may be small or no better than a placebo spray.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Iatrophobia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Chicago

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••