The treatment fee of £150 does not include the consultation fee and cannot be booked without a consultation with our Sports Medicine or Orthopaedic Specialists. When you book online you are booking the initial consultation.

What are steroid injections?

Steroid injections are also known as corticosteroid injections or cortisone injections. Steroids are a manmade version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands.  These hormones have a strong anti inflammatory effect and regulate our body’s healing response amongst other roles.

When injected into a muscle or joint, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area.  This can relieve pain and stiffness. 

They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain, ligament or tendon pain, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, frozen shoulder or carpal tunnel syndrome.

Special preparations are used to prolong its effect at the site of injection. Cortisone starts to act slowly over 25-36 hours and the beneficial effects may last for days or months.  Local anaesthetic may also be given. This relieves pain immediately and lasts for 3 - 4 hours while the steroid is beginning to work.

They can often be used alongside physiotherapy to assist with regaining range of movement or function of a joint or muscle.

Steroid injections are different from the anabolic steroids used illegally by some people to increase their muscle mass.

How do I know if I need one?

Another health professional or one of our team of physiotherapists may have discussed the possibility of a steroid injection with you already.  You can attend for an initial consultation with one of our Specialist Orthopaedic Consultants or Sports Medicine Doctors.  They would then discuss with you their clinical opinion and treatment options.  You may be offered a steroid injection at this appointment or you may wish to take some time to think about it before making a follow up appointment to have the injection.

How quickly does it take to feel a reduction in symptoms?

Local anaesthetics can reduce your pain within a few minutes of the injection. The steroid affect will take slightly longer to occur, usually 1-2 days to a week. Within this time, you can continue to manage your pain through gentle movement, analgesia, ice or heat packs. It is advised that you take a few days of relative rest from vigorous or excessive exercise/stress of the joint/area affected after the injection.

How long do the affects last?

Steroid injections usually last for up to 3 months, sometimes longer however every patient is different. Steroid injections can promote an anti-inflammatory response which will help to reduce pain and swelling allowing you to focus on your rehabilitation exercises.

How do I have a steroid injection?

A clinical specialist will complete a full assessment to conclude whether an injection is the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. As the patient you will be advised of the risk factors and be provided the appropriate advice to make an informed decision.

Most injections are quick and easy to perform within clinic and are utilised alongside an individually tailored client assessment and rehabilitation programme to enable the most effective recovery.

Risks and Side Effects of steroid injections

Most people have steroid injections without any side effects. It is normal to experience slight discomfort and pressure during the time of the injection.

Post injection pain within the first 24 hours can occasionally occur. This usually settles by itself within a few days, however taking painkillers such as paracetamol may help.

You may experience flushing of the face for a few hours afterwards.

There is a risk of infection at the site of the injection or in the joint causing redness, swelling and pain, get medical advice as soon as possible if you have these symptoms.

With steroid injections there is a small risk of thinning or colour changes locally in the skin around the injection site.

There is the risk of loss of fat where the injection was given – this can cause dimples in the skin and may be permanent.

If you have diabetes, your blood sugar level may go up for a few days.

If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure may go up for a few days

The steroid dose is very low therefore normal side effects of steroid tablets are very rare. However, it is important not to overuse injections and it is advised not to have more than 3 per year.

Who can have steroid injections?

Most people can have steroid injections.

Tell the doctor before having treatment if you:

• have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks – you usually need to wait at least 6 weeks between injections
• you've had 3 steroid injections in the last year – doctors usually recommend no more than 3 injections in the same area in the space of 12 months
• have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
• have an infection (including eye infections)
• have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations
• are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby
• have any other conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure or problems with your liver, heart or kidneys
• are taking other medicines, such as anticoagulants

Following assessment by our Orthopaedic Surgeons or Sports Medicine Doctor, you may be offered a steroid injection.