Joint Injections – the ”cortisone shot”
We offer an easy access same day joint injections service which is popular with those suffering from the following conditions:
Commonest conditions treated:
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Plantar fasciitis (pain in the sole of the foot)
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder AC joint
Shoulder pain – rotator cuff
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Inflammatory knee conditions
Limitations
Occasionally our clinical examination will reveal that an ultrasound guided injection is the preferred modality and in that case we will refer you to our private orthopaedic colleagues.
Method
We use triamcinolone and depo-medrone which are corticosteroids, sometimes known as a ”cortisone shot”. Cortisone shots are anti-inflammatory. This is usually combined with a local anaesthetic and may also be combined with powerful oral anti-inflammatory medication to deliver the most effective solution.
Prevention
To help reduce the chances of recurrence we work with a team of physiotherapists and can offer ergonomic intervention advice.
Treatment
We optimise the success of our joint injections by supplementing the treatment with powerful oral anti-inflammatory medication as above.
Cost
£495 per injection
Who can and cannot have a steroid joint injection
Most people can have steroid injections.
Tell the doctor/clinician before having treatment if you:
- Have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks – you may be advised to wait a while between treatments
- Have had multiple steroid injections in the last year
- Have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
- Have a current infection of any type
- Have recently had, or are about to have, any live 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
Steroid injections may not always be suitable in these cases, although the doctor/clinicain may recommend them if they think the benefits outweigh any risks.
How the steroid cortisone shots work
Steroids closely copy the effects of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, which are two small glands found above the kidneys.
When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce pain and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. This can help with stiffness too.
When injected into the blood, they can reduce inflammation throughout the body, as well as reduce the activity of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against illness and infection.
Steroid cortisone injections have been used for many decades and offer an excellent treatment option for people suffering with joint and tendon (musculoskeletal) pain, swelling and stiffness.