Soft tissue and joint injection therapy

At Farnborough Physio, we perform dozens of steroid injections every week. We have a highly specialist Advanced Practice Physiotherapist Ben Coffey who has performed over 8000 injection-therapy procedures in the NHS and privately. Corticosteroids are medications that reduce inflammation. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions such rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory osteoarthritis, epicondylitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and Morton’s neuroma.

How do they work?

Corticosteroids are manufactured versions of hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. When corticosteroids are injected into a joint or muscle they can help relieve inflammation in a nearby part of the body, which can then reduce any pain and stiffness. When corticosteroids are given for the purpose of pain relief, they are often used in conjunction with a local anaesthetic called lidocaine. This will provide immediate pain relief that lasts a few hours.

Benefits of steroid injections:

Corticosteroid injections, in general, are well tolerated by the body and do not cause the typical side-effects seen by taking oral steroids, or anabolic steroids. They are more effective at treating joint inflammation, which reduces pain and improves joint function.

Potential side effects of steroids:

• Pain and discomfort for a few days in the injected area
• Facial flushing (temporary)
• Infection, causing redness swelling and pain (this would require URGENT medical attention)
• Depigmentation of the skin (rare)
• Fat atrophy in the area injected (rare)
• Temporary rise in blood sugars
• Risk of tendon rupture (in the days following an injection)
• Bruising

Can I have steroid injections?

Most people can have steroid injections. However, at Farnborough Physio we will go through everything with you first before undertaking the procedure. This is to ensure it is clinically appropriate and safe should you wish to proceed. Please bear in mind that we do not always agree to do a steroid injection, we use a process of shared decision making with our patients. Always inform us if you have experienced any of the following:

• Have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks. You usually need to wait 6 to 12 weeks between injections.
• Have an active infection or are soon to have any vaccinations.
• Have had an allergic reaction to local anaesthetic or steroid previously.
• Are pregnant, breast feeding or trying to fall pregnant.
• Have any other pre-existing conditions.
• Are taking any other forms of medication (we require a list of your current medications).
• Are taking warfarin or other blood thinning medication.