Ultrasound-guided injections
An injection of an anti-inflammatory drug, guided by ultrasound. Steroid injections into the joint can be an effective way to treat orthopaedic pain caused by a sports injury.
What are steroid injections for?
Corticosteroid injections are most often used to treat joint inflammation (synovitis), which may occur in the shoulder, knee and hip. This is often triggered by a sports injury. They may also be used to treat inflammation around tendons and ligaments.
The injection is usually a combination of anti-inflammatory steroid and local anaesthetic, with the needle being carefully guided by ultrasound. Sometimes the injection is used as a diagnostic tool, as well as a treatment.
Need to know
At the time of the injection, you'll have a scan to determine the exact point of injection – this will be marked on your skin. The skin will also be cleaned with antiseptic, to avoid infection.
If your joint is very swollen, the radiologist will remove excess fluid with a needle. Next, the radiologist will inject corticosteroid and local anaesthetic into your joint (or the soft tissue surrounding the joint or tendon) under the guidance of the ultrasound. The procedure will typically take around 10-15 minutes.
As the local anaesthetic wears off, your joint may feel sore again. This can last for a few days after the injection, but you'll start to feel the benefits from around five days.
It may take up to a week or two to take full effect. Sometimes the injection may produced a 'steroid flare' which temporary may irritate the joint lining. In very rare cases, severe pain may indicate an infection. Your consultant will discuss any issues with you.
Our Ultrasound-guided injections locations
The Portland Hospital
The Wellington Hospital
The Wilmslow Hospital
London Bridge Hospital
The Harley Street Clinic
The Princess Grace Hospital
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
The Shard Outpatients
Chelsea Outpatients
The Princess Grace Hospital Outpatients
Elstree Waterfront Outpatients
Patient stories
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.