Joint Injections (Cortisone)

GP Administered

Joint Injection

We commonly see joint problems at Castle Surgery. Although there are many causes, it is often due to arthritis or injury.

Depending on the affected joint, we have seen that this can limit different people in various ways and at times, impact quality of life.

Joint injections aren’t suitable for everyone. It isn’t the first line if we haven’t tried other ‘less invasive’ treatments first and it does come with risks.

But for those where it is appropriate and effective, some patients can rediscover their movements again.

F. A. Q.

A corticosteroid/cortisone injection delivered locally at a joint has the potential to treat pain and inflammation more directly.

This varies.

If successful, it can provide pain relief for many months. However in some it’s shorter, sometimes weeks or even not at all.

All procedures come with risks.

Here, a risk is the chance of developing new or worsening existing problems.

These include:

  1. Pain.
  2. Worsening of symptoms e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome.
  3. Infection (<0.001%).
  4. Bleeding, especially if on anticoagulants
  5. Risk of procedure not working
  6. Fat atrophy or hypopigmentation.
  7. Post injection steroid flare for 24-48 hours (10%). This is when pain temporarily worsens than before the injection was administered.
  8. Tendon rupture (0.1%).
  9. Transient blood sugar elevation in patients with diabetes.

We have regular cortisone clinics but the timings vary.

If you leave your details with us, we can get in touch with you when the next clinic is available.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page to leave your details. When we have our next clinic,  the doctor will check if this is appropriate and invite you down for an appointment. 

Take a look on the NHS website

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-injections/