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Steroid injections for joint pain
CORTISONE INJECTIONS FOR JOINTS
Steroid injections in localised areas that relieve pain in the joints
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
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.
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.
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.
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Paying for medical treatment
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Steroid injections for joint pain Consultants
Mr Andrew Goldberg OBE
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Giles Stafford
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Mazin Ibrahim
Orthopaedic Surgery
Mr Rob Pollock
Orthopaedic Surgery
Our locations
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.