Plain-English translation of NCT06651788 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
Doctors often use ethyl chloride freeze spray before giving corticosteroid injections to numb the skin and reduce pain. However, no one really knows if it actually works — some earlier studies suggested it might not make a difference. This trial will test freeze spray against a placebo spray and no spray at all to find out whether it truly helps patients feel less pain and anxiety during these common orthopedic injections.
Many patients feel anxious and afraid before getting corticosteroid injections because of needle pain and the burning sensation from the medication. Although doctors have been using this treatment to help, there is no solid scientific evidence proving it works, so this trial aims to answer that question once and for all.
You likely qualify if…
You likely don't qualify if…
You will be randomly assigned to receive one of three options before your scheduled corticosteroid injection: the freeze spray, a placebo cold saline spray, or no spray at all. You will then receive your standard injection and be asked to report how much pain and anxiety you felt during the procedure. The study is a single visit at the time of your normal injection appointment.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Oct 12, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States
Sponsor
University of Chicago
Enrollment target
~246 participants
Started
April 2025
Primary completion
December 2027
Age range
18 Years and older
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in October 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Jennifer M Wolf, MD, PhD
University of Chicago
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.