This leaflet provides general information to help you understand the role of steroid injections.
At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.
This leaflet provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.
What Does the Injection Do?
Cortisone (cortisol) is a naturally occurring anti-inflammatory hormone made by the body. A steroid injection delivers a corticosteroid — a strong anti-inflammatory medicine — directly into an affected area such as a joint, tendon, or ligament.
The Injection Helps To:
- Reduce inflammation
- Relieve pain
- Improve movement
- Allow more effective physiotherapy or rehabilitation
Key Points
- Cortisone helps regulate the body’s inflammatory and healing responses
- Orthopaedic corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding
- The medication works mainly at the injection site, not throughout the body
- Around 90% of patients get some symptom relief, though results vary
When Is a Steroid Injection Used?
Injections are usually considered when other treatments — such as rest, physiotherapy, or pain medication — have not given adequate relief.
Common Indications:
- Tendon or ligament problems (e.g. long-standing tendinitis or bursitis)
- Trigger finger (inflammation of the tendon sheath)
- Joint inflammation (e.g. frozen shoulder, bursitis)
- Nerve compression
- Arthritis or arthropathy
When It May Not Suit You
- Allergy to steroids
- Active infection
- Early pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Recent viral illness or recent vaccination
- Certain mental health conditions
Both adults and children can receive steroid injections, provided there are no contraindications.
What Is Injected & Aftercare
What Is Injected
- A steroid suspension to reduce inflammation
- A local anaesthetic, giving short-term pain relief while the steroid starts to work
Post-Injection Advice
- Rest the injected area for 24 hours
- Take regular painkillers for a few days if needed, as pain may briefly worsen
- Be patient — the steroid can take several days to reach full effect
Side Effects
Common but Minor
- Short-lived pain relief from the local anaesthetic, lasting a few hours
- Pain may increase for 1–2 days before the steroid works
- About 20% have a temporary “flare reaction” — regular painkillers usually help
- Skin lightening or fat loss at superficial injection sites
- Raised blood sugar; diabetics should monitor levels closely for 48–72 hours
⚠ Rare — Seek Urgent Help
Call 999 or attend A&E if you notice any of the following, as they may signal a severe allergic reaction:
- Severe skin rash
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest or throat
- Difficulty breathing or speaking
- Swelling of the face, mouth, lips, tongue, or throat
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Work?
- The local anaesthetic works within minutes but wears off after a few hours
- The steroid usually starts within 2–5 days, sometimes up to 2 weeks
How Long Does Relief Last?
- Relief can last from weeks to several months
- Some have long-term improvement; others a temporary benefit only
Will It Cure My Condition?
- It reduces inflammation and pain but does not cure the underlying cause
- This may be enough to manage the condition
- Often used to support physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or recovery
Can I Drive Home?
- Usually yes
- If injected into a leg, shoulder, or dominant arm you may feel weak or sore
- If unsure, arrange for someone to drive you
Work & Exercise
- Most return to light activities the next day
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for 48 hours
- Follow any specific advice from your clinician or physiotherapist
How Many Can I Have?
- Repeated injections are usually limited
- Most advise up to 3 into the same area, spaced 3–12 months apart
- Further injections may add little if the first three did not help
Alternatives to Injection
- Physiotherapy
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma)
- Activity modification
- Splinting or supports
- Surgery, in selected cases
If Your Pain Gets Worse
Mild worsening for 1–2 days is common — use regular painkillers and rest the area. Contact your clinician if pain is severe or persistent, or comes with redness, swelling, or fever.