Steroid Injections

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Introduction

We understand that ongoing joint or soft tissue pain can affect your daily life. Our aim is to provide clear answers and effective treatment in a safe, comfortable environment.

This page explains what to expect before, during, and after your appointment. It is designed to help you feel confident about your procedure. If you have any further questions, our team will be happy to help.

What is a Steroid Injection?

A steroid injection is used to reduce pain and inflammation in or around a joint or soft tissue. Steroid injections can provide rapid relief, though the effects vary between individuals and may be temporary. Relief can last from a few weeks to several months, and in some cases, there may be little or no improvement.

Common Conditions Treated

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Trigger finger
  • Tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Shoulder impingement

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your visit is designed as a one-stop service so everything can happen in a single appointment:

  • Specialist Consultation: We discuss your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments
  • Hands-on Examination: Your clinician will examine the affected area to understand the problem
  • Ultrasound Scan: Ultrasound provides a clear picture of the joint, tendon, or soft tissue
  • Treatment Plan and Injection: If a steroid injection is suitable, it can usually be carried out straight away with ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety

Why Ultrasound Guidance

Ultrasound allows your clinician to:

  • Place the medicine precisely
  • Avoid sensitive nearby structures
  • Deliver treatment more reliably

Evidence shows that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate than techniques based on landmarks alone. They can lead to better results with fewer side effects.

What is Injected?

Your clinician will select the most suitable medication for your condition, usually:

  • Corticosteroid: Reduces inflammation and provides longer-lasting relief
  • Local anaesthetic: Provides temporary pain relief and numbs the area

What Does the Injection Feel Like?

Most patients describe it as a brief scratch similar to a blood test followed by some pressure. Any discomfort usually settles quickly.

Risks and Side Effects

Steroid injections are very safe. Possible effects include:

  • Mild bruising or bleeding at the injection site
  • Temporary increase in pain within 6 to 12 hours, usually settling in 24 to 48 hours
  • Skin changes such as thinning, lightening, or rarely dimpling
  • Rare tendon weakening or rupture if injected nearby
  • Temporary rise in blood sugar for people with diabetes
  • Short-term changes in mood, sleep, or facial flushing
  • Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. You will stay in the clinic for a short observation period after the injection

Please tell your clinician if you:

  • Have ever had an allergic reaction to steroids or local anaesthetic
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding (steroid injections are generally considered safe while breastfeeding. For more information visit Breastfeeding Network)
  • Take blood-thinning medication. Please note the following:
    • If taking warfarin, your last INR must be 3.0 or below—bring your yellow book
    • If taking novel oral anticoagulants such as edoxaban, rivaroxaban, or apixaban, allow a 6-hour gap before the injection
    • Clopidogrel is safe to proceed without interruption

Injections will be postponed if you are unwell or have an active infection.

How Many Injections Can I Have?

Most people should not have more than three to four steroid injections in the same area within 12 months. Your clinician will advise whether a repeat injection is appropriate.

After the Procedure

  • You may stay for around 20 minutes so we can check you are feeling well
  • Numbness from the anaesthetic may last a few hours
  • Some discomfort is normal and can be managed with painkillers and ice
  • Relief usually starts within a few days but can take up to two weeks. Effects vary from person to person

Driving

  • Avoid driving for 24 to 48 hours if the injection was into a weight-bearing joint
  • Otherwise, you may drive once you feel safe and comfortable

Rest and Activity

  • Rest the treated area for 1 to 2 days
  • Weight-bearing joints should avoid impact or strenuous exercise for 7 to 10 days before building up gradually
  • Tendon injections should avoid heavy or repetitive loading for 10 to 14 days as tendons may temporarily weaken

Eating and Drinking

You may eat and drink normally before and after your appointment.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact the clinic, your GP, or call 111 if you notice:

  • Redness, heat, swelling, or increasing pain in the joint
  • Fever or feeling generally unwell

Seek urgent attention if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction, including:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, or throat
  • Rash, hives, pale or clammy skin, dizziness, or feeling faint

Questions or Concerns

We want you to feel supported at every stage. If you have any questions before or after your appointment, please get in touch with our friendly clinic team.