Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections
Precise, consultant-led joint and soft-tissue steroid injections performed under live ultrasound guidance at our private clinic in Hinchley Wood — serving patients across Esher, Cobham, Oxshott, Surbiton, Hampton, Surrey and South West London.
What is an Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injection?
A steroid injection delivers a small dose of corticosteroid directly into an inflamed joint, tendon sheath, bursa or soft-tissue structure to reduce pain and swelling. The aim is to calm inflammation enough that you can return to movement, physiotherapy, and the activities you enjoy.
At Hinchley Medical, every injection is performed under live ultrasound guidance by a consultant radiologist. This allows the needle to be placed with millimetre accuracy — improving effectiveness, minimising risk, and avoiding nearby tendons, vessels and nerves.
- Pinpoint accuracyReal-time imaging confirms the needle reaches the correct target.
- Lower risk profileAseptic technique, sterile single-use equipment and ultrasound visualisation throughout.
- Same-day procedureDiagnostic scan, clinical discussion, consent and injection in one appointment where appropriate.
- Local to youConvenient access from Hinchley Wood, Esher, Cobham, Oxshott, Surbiton, Hampton and across Surrey.
Conditions Helped by Ultrasound-Guided Steroid Injections
Patients across Surrey and South West London are referred to us — or self-refer — for targeted relief from a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints. Common indications include:
Shoulder
Subacromial impingement, rotator cuff tendinopathy, frozen shoulder and AC joint pain.
Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).
Wrist & Hand
Carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, trigger finger and thumb base arthritis.
Hip
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, gluteal tendinopathy and hip joint osteoarthritis.
Knee
Osteoarthritis, pes anserine bursitis, iliotibial band syndrome and patellar tendinopathy.
Ankle & Foot
Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, Morton's neuroma and small joint osteoarthritis.
Bursitis
Inflammation of fluid-filled cushioning sacs around joints — including hip, shoulder and knee bursae.
Soft-Tissue Inflammation
Targeted relief for tendons, ligaments, joint capsules and inflamed soft-tissue structures.
What to Expect, Step by Step
From the moment you arrive at our Hinchley Wood clinic, every stage of your appointment is led by an experienced consultant radiologist.
Clinical Discussion
Your consultant reviews your symptoms, history and current medications, then discusses the benefits and risks of the injection with you.
Diagnostic Scan
A focused ultrasound scan confirms the diagnosis and identifies the precise structure to be treated.
Informed Consent
Once you are happy to proceed, you'll be asked to sign a written consent form before the procedure begins.
The Injection
Performed under sterile, aseptic conditions with live ultrasound guidance — typically taking just a few minutes.
Aftercare Advice
You'll receive clear written guidance on rest, activity, and what to expect over the days that follow.
Before, During & After Your Procedure
Use the tabs below to read clear, practical guidance on preparing for your appointment, when an injection isn't appropriate, and how to look after yourself afterwards.
How to Prepare for Your Steroid Injection
A little planning ensures your appointment runs smoothly and safely. Please follow the simple guidance below before attending our Esher-area clinic.
- Bring a full list of your medications — including supplements. Without this we may not be able to proceed.
- Eat and drink normally on the day. There is no need to fast.
- Do not drive afterwards. Following an ultrasound-guided procedure your motor insurance may not be valid — please arrange transport home.
- Bring a friend or family member if possible, to accompany you and drive you home.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being injected.
- Bring previous imaging or reports if you have any related to the area of pain.
When a Steroid Injection Is Not Recommended
Patient safety is our priority. We are unable to perform a steroid injection if any of the following apply — please let us know in advance if any are relevant.
- You have an active infection — anywhere in the body, not just at the injection site.
- You feel unwell on the day of your appointment.
- You are allergic to local anaesthetic or steroid medication.
- You have surgery planned on the area in the near future.
- It is less than 3 months since your last steroid injection to the same area.
- You are under 18 years old — this service is for adult patients only.
Before any procedure, the consultant will discuss benefits, risks and contraindications with you in detail. You will only be asked to sign the informed consent form once you are completely satisfied.
Post-Procedure Care & Recovery
The local anaesthetic typically lasts 6–8 hours. As it wears off, the treated area may feel sore — this is normal and usually settles within a day or two. Please follow the guidance below for the best outcome.
- Rest the affected area for 48 hours. Avoid putting strain on the joint or tendon.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 7–10 days. Light walking and gentle movement are fine.
- Apply ice intermittently for the first 24 hours if the area feels uncomfortable.
- Take simple painkillers such as paracetamol if needed, providing they are safe for you.
- Resume physiotherapy gradually after the initial rest period — this helps maximise the benefit.
- Seek urgent medical attention (your GP or A&E) if you develop unexpected pain, warmth, redness or fever — please mention you have recently had an injection.
The full effect of the steroid is usually felt within 1–2 weeks. Some patients notice improvement sooner; in others the benefit builds gradually.
Risks & Side Effects
Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are considered a safe procedure. Real-time imaging guidance, sterile single-use equipment and aseptic technique together substantially reduce the chance of complications.
That said, no medical procedure is entirely without risk. Below is a transparent summary of the side effects and complications you should be aware of — your consultant will discuss any that are relevant to you in detail before you consent.
Private Steroid Injections Across Surrey & South West London
Our clinic in Hinchley Wood is easily accessible from across the region, with on-site parking and direct rail links from London Waterloo.
Hinchley Wood
Our base at Woodside House — minutes from Hinchley Wood station and the A3.
Esher
Trusted choice for steroid injections in Esher, Claygate and the surrounding villages.
Cobham
Convenient consultant-led ultrasound injections for Cobham, Stoke d'Abernon and Fairmile.
Oxshott
A short drive from Oxshott village, with discreet private appointments and on-site parking.
Surbiton
Easily reached from Surbiton, Berrylands and Tolworth — both by car and by train.
Hampton
Serving patients from Hampton, Hampton Hill, Teddington and the wider Thames-side area.
Kingston, Wimbledon & Beyond
Patients regularly travel to us from Kingston upon Thames, Wimbledon, Richmond and surrounding South West London neighbourhoods.
Weybridge & Wider Surrey
Including Weybridge, Walton-on-Thames, Leatherhead, Epsom, Ashtead and surrounding Surrey towns.
View Full Steroid Injection & Ultrasound Pricing
Transparent fees for every joint and soft-tissue injection are listed alongside our wider ultrasound packages on our main pricing page. No hidden costs, no referral required.
Common Questions About Steroid Injections
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultant-led ultrasound-guided steroid injection at our private clinic in Hinchley Wood — convenient for Esher, Cobham, Oxshott, Surbiton, Hampton and across Surrey and South West London.