What is a steroid injection?
A doctor injects steroid, anti-inflammatory drugs, directly into painful or swollen joints, or soft tissue around it to relieve joint pain. A steroid injection can also release pressure, which helps with pain and swelling.
Why do I need a steroid joint injection?
You may have swollen joints that cause you pain. People with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, frozen shoulder or other causes. Steroid injections can also be used in soft tissue conditions, such as tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndromes or plantar fasciitis.
How do I get a steroid injection?
This procedure can be covered by either the NHS or privately. Your GP may be able to give you an injection at your local practice. They can also refer you to a radiologist, physiotherapist, rheumatologist, orthopaedic surgery, pain management consultant or speciality nurse in a clinic or hospital.
Steroid injections can only be given by healthcare professionals who are trained to do these procedures. The injection is usually done in a clinic or day case.
You can find a consultant using the search function on our website . Even though it’s done privately, it’s still important to let your GP know you’re thinking about having a pain management injection.
What is injected when you have steroids?
There are different types of steroids that can be injected:
· Hydrocortisone
· Methylprednisolone
· Triamcinolone
This can take up to six weeks. Pain may return. You may require more than one injection or other treatments. Generally, it’s best not to have more than four steroid injections per year into any one joint.
How do I decide on a steroid joint injection?
You’ll have an initial consultation with a consultant surgeon to talk about what types and locations the injection might be suitable for you. They’ll go through the benefits and possible risks, as well as discussing any alternatives.
What happens before the procedure?
You don’t usually need to have any special preparation before an injection.
What happens during the steroid joint injection?
Your doctor will examine your joint and clean your skin. They may
The procedure takes 10-20 minutes. Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin. A fine needle is used to inject the steroid into the joint. The doctor may use ultrasound for some joints.
Sometimes your doctor might remove (aspirate) fluid from the joint. Especially if you have swollen knees.
You will be monitored after the procedure. You may be advised to not drive and should arrange for someone to collect you.
Recovery and what to expect after a joint injection
The following is only a guideline, your surgeon will advise you on how long your own recovery might expect to take.
Your joint may feel worse after the injection as the local anaesthetic wears off.
- Day 1: Use ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising. Rest the joint as advised.
- Week 1: You can resume normal exercise.
- Week 2: Week 6: You pain may vary as the steroid takes effect.
What are the potential risks and side effects of this steroid joint injection?
All surgical procedures carry some risk of complications. Here are some of the most common complications associated with a steroid joint injection.
- Increased pain and swelling around the joint.
- Bleeding and bruising at the joint.
- Facial flushing for a few days.
- Temporary disruption to your menstrual cycle.
- If you are diabetic, then the steroids may raise your glucose levels.
More serious complications include allergic reactions to the anaesthetic, infection at the injection site or damage to the joint ligaments.
The injection may not achieve your desired pain relief and an alternative treatment needed.
You’ll be given information on what to look out for and what to do if you develop any complications. Your doctor can also tell you how likely they are to affect you.
How much do steroid injections cost?
As a surgical procedure, you can get a steroid injection funded through either private medical insurance or self-fund.
Steroid joint injections costs in the UK vary. Costs of different techniques will also differ.
Typically, an initial consultation with the doctor will cost between £100 and £250, depending on where you live. If you move forwards with the procedure, you’ll be offered one of the following:
- An all-inclusive ‘ package price ’, where you know the full costs before undergoing treatment. Typically, this can range from £150 to £350. Not all consultants and hospitals offer this.
- A ‘ fee-per-service ’ deal, where you receive different invoices from the doctor and the hospital. You often won’t know the full costs until you receive the invoices.
For more information, you can read our guide on self-pay .
