Injection Therapy

What is a guided steroid injection?

A corticosteroid injection offers pain relief from inflammatory signs, such as joint pain or soft tissue pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. These may, in turn, help you to return to normal activities/hobbies OR to commence physiotherapy.  

Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections allow the clinician to visualize the needle and needle tip in real-time as it enters the body and navigates the needle to the treatment area accurately. This assures that the medication is accurately injected at the source of the symptoms site.

Beforehand, the procedure will be explained to you, Side effects, risks, and benefits will be discussed. You will be given an opportunity to discuss any other questions or concerns you may have. If there are any changes in your health or circumstances you must inform the clinician, before the injection.

Who do I speak to?

For some cases of back pain, shoulder pain and other areas of complaint physical therapy may not be enough. In some cases, additional benefit may be derived from an injection to the area of complaint, followed by Osteopathic treatment. If your Osteopath thinks this is an appropriate treatment option they will discuss this with you and arrange for a private consultation.

Should I have a steroid injection or a hyaluronic acid injection ?

In general, we know that cortisone injections improve pain and swelling in knee joint arthritis. However, the effect of cortisone is small and short-lived. Additionally, there are a number of concerns about side effects such as cartilage damage. Also, there are limits to the number of cortisone injections. Generally, we recommend no more than three injections into one joint over 12 months.

Hyaluronic acid injections offer a different option. Generally, hyaluronic acid injections take longer to work than cortisone (up to 4 weeks) but the effect is often longer-lasting – up to 6 months. However, these shots are not for everyone. Research suggests that the evidence of effectiveness is mixed. They seem to work better for younger patients with less advanced arthritis. Moreover, older patients with more advanced diseases are less likely to experience relief.

Side effects of hyaluronic acid injections? 

Like all medications, hyaluronic acid injections have side effects. You need to speak to your doctor about these side effects. The most common of these side effects include pain at the injection site, fluid build-up in the knee, and allergic reactions. Generally, if you have an allergy to hyaluronic acid-based products, you should use other options.

Usually, after a hyaluronic acid gel injection, you need to rest the joint for at least 48 hours. Also, you should avoid prolonged standing or walking.

E mail the clinic at [email protected] or call 01834 813975

Please note, we will be relocating to Pembroke from the end of July and closing our Saundersfoot clinic.