Steroid injections for joint pain

Cortisone injections for joints

Steroid injections in localised areas that relieve pain in the joints

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020 7079 4344

Why have a steroid injections?

Joint pain is usually caused by inflammation or conditions such as bursitis. Steroid injections help reduce inflammation to reduce pain in that area. It is most common to inject the steroid into your joints, such as ankles, elbows, hips, knees, shoulders, spine or wrists. Sometimes, even the small joints in your hands or feet might be treated with steroid injections.

Steroid injections can be effective for different types of inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, but they are also given for other conditions like lower back pain, tendonitis and gout.

Need to know

  • What happens during treatment? icon plus

    Your doctor will sterilise your skin with iodine solution. They might offer you local anaesthetic to numb the area or they might mix a local anaesthetic into the steroid. In some circumstances you may not need anaesthetic at all. The steroid will then be injected into your joint - possibly using ultrasound to guide the needle.

    Exactly what happens during your procedure depends on the type of steroid injection you have, and where you have it.

  • How to prepare icon plus

    Like all procedures there may be some risks and side effects. Your doctor will explain these to you and answer any questions.

    Your doctor may want to check you don't have an infection or fracture. If so, you'll need to have an X-ray or blood test before having your steroid injection.

  • After treatment icon plus

    Steroid injections for joint pain are low-risk procedures so you should be able to go home on the day.

    If you've had anaesthetic, you may feel a little numb so please arrange for someone to drive you home. Your joint might feel tender for a few days so rest it as much as you can. Using an ice pack might help.

    If your doctor has given you any exercises to speed up your recovery or minimise pain in the future, try to do them as suggested.

Paying for medical treatment

You don’t need health insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.

More about self funding your treatment

Our pain management consultants

We're proud to work with leading orthopaedic and pain management consultants, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.  

Our locations in London

From complex pain management treatment to diagnostic tests and minor procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Private joint pain injections in Birmingham

Private joint pain injections in Manchester

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Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

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020 7079 4344
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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