Steroid Injections for Joints and Soft Tissues

What is an ultrasound guided steroid injection?

• We offer private ultrasound guided steroid injections at Hinchley Medical. The purpose of a steroid injection is to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. This will enable you to use and exercise that body part in order to help aid the recovery process. Ultrasound guidance is used for accurate visualisation and to minimise risk.
  

How to prepare for a steroid injection?

• We advise all patients not to drive following an ultrasound guided procedure as your insurance may not be valid. Please bring alist of all your medications.
  
  Without this, we may not be able to carry out your procedure. You may eat and drink normally.
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  Avoid having vaccines within two weeks before a steroid injection as steroids can theoretically reduce vaccine efficacy.

Situations where a steroid injection is not recommended

• If you have an active infection.
• If you feel generally unwell.
• If you are allergic to local anaesthetic or steroid.
• If you are due to have surgery to that area soon.
• Before the procedure the radiology consultant will have a clinical discussion with you about the benefits vs risks of the injection, any contra-indications, and will then ask you to sign the informed consent form if you are happy to proceed. Please note that a minimum 3 month gap is required if you are booking for a repeat steroid injection.

Risks and side effects of an ultrasound guided steroid injection?

• Steroid injections are considered a safe procedure. Ultrasound guidance is used throughout the procedure to minimise risk. The injection is performed under sterile conditions.  There is a small risk of infection(approximately 1 in 10, 000) following an injection.
  
  If you experience symptoms such as unexpected pain, warmth or redness around the area or develop a temperature, you should immediately seek urgent medical help. Please explain that you have recently had an injection, as this could potentially be serious.
• Side effects include the following:
• Minor bruising at site of injection
• Tendon or nerve damage
• No response to treatment
  
• Worsening of symptoms
  
• Facial flushing
  
• Small risk of skin de-pigmentation or dimpling, at siteof injection, due to the steroid
  
• Diabetics may experience a temporary increase in sugar levels
  
• Possible changes to the menstrual cycle
  

Post Procedure Care

• The local anaesthetic will last between 6-8 hours and the area may start to feel uncomfortable afterwards. We advise rest of the affected areas for 48 hours and to avoid any strenuous activity for 7-10 days.
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  We advise arranging a friend or close family member to accompany you in clinic or drive you home afterwards.
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  Avoid having vaccines for two weeks after a steroid injection as steroids can theoretically reduce vaccine efficacy.