What are steroid injections and how are they used?

Steroid injections can be a quick and effective treatment for soft tissue conditions, joint pain and inflammation, although the improvement is usually temporary. They’re normally given as part of a wider rehabilitation programme. You can discuss the benefits and risks of steroid injections with healthcare professionals before you start treatment, so you’re able to make an informed decision.

Steroid injections may be recommended for people with tendon sheath inflammation, capsulitis, tendinopathy or certain types of bursitis. They may also be recommended for osteoarthritis if your joints are very painful or if you need extra pain relief for a time. The injection can reduce inflammation, which in turn should reduce pain.

Steroid injections can’t treat the underlying cause of your condition but they can treat the symptoms.

Is there anything else I need to know before I have a steroid injection?

Injections are suitable for most patients but there are some reasons we would not be able to offer you a steroid injection listed below:

  • Your are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • You have a prosthetic joint or metal in the joint with pain.
  • Poor skin condition or ulcers in the area to be injected.
  • You are feeling poorly or are currently taking antibiotics for an infection.
  • You had surgery including DENTAL PROCEDURES (for example a tooth extraction) within the past 3 weeks.
  • You have an active cold sore.

If you have diabetes you’ll need to discuss this with your healthcare professional, because having a steroid injection can raise your blood sugar levels for a few days after the injection. It is important you monitor your blood sugar levels after a steroid injection.

Are you on blood thinners?

This advise does not apply to aspirin or clopidogrel.

  • If you take Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, Dabigatran or Edoxaban - Your appointment must be at least 4 hours after your normal dose.
  • If you take warfarin, you need a blood test (INR) within 14 days of your appointment. The result must be 2.9 or less.

If this advise is not followed you will not be able to have your injection on the day. Please speak to your healthcare professional if you have any queries or concerns regarding this.

If this advise is not followed it may mean you cannot have your injection on the day.

Vaccinations

  • We will be unable to offer an injection if you have received a vaccination in the 3 weeks before or are due to have one in the 3 weeks after your appointment.

Steroids can reduce the immune system in the short term so this is to ensure the vaccination works properly for you.

After your injection appointment

We advise you not to drive following your injection as you may not be covered by your motor vehicle insurance. If you wish to drive following the injection, this decision is your responsibility. You may wish to check your insurance prior to your appointment.

You might be advised to wait for 15 to 30 minutes in the clinic after your steroid injection. If you do have any kind of reaction to the injection, it would be helpful to be around healthcare professionals.

Try to rest for 1-2 days. Routine work is fine but limit excessive physical exertion.

If you feel unwell, notice signs of infection at the injection site (the area is red, hot or swollen) or you experience blurred vision, please seek medical advise via your GP, 111 or a walk-in centre.

Occasionally people notice a flare-up in their joint pain within the first 24 hours after an injection. This usually settles by itself within a couple of days, but taking simple painkillers like paracetamol will help.

The injection can take up to six weeks to have an effect. If you have no improvement, ensure you follow up with your healthcare professional.