What are steroid injections (cortisone) used for?
Steroid, or cortisone, injections are used for pain management to help with problems such as joint pain, arthritis and sciatica. They help to relieve pain or swelling and make movement easier.
Are cortisone and steroid injections the same?
When discussing steroid cortisone injections in this context, they are the same. This is because they both have similar inflammatory effects.
How do steroid injections work?
The use of a cortisone, or steroid, injection involves injecting a man-made substance that reduces inflammation. If it is injected into a painful, swollen area, it can reduce the swelling and limit the pain. These types of injections can also allow for more mobility if administered in joints.
How are steroid injections administered and how long do they work for?
Steroid injections are administered directly into the joint or area of pain, for example, the shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, knee or wrist. The benefits can last from several months up to a year, however, there are some cases where pain does not return, although this is not guaranteed every time. All our injections are ultrasound guided.
Why do we choose to do ultrasound guided injections?
Ultrasound guided injections helps and guides with precision and gets into where the root of where the pain is coming from.
How do you get a steroid injection?
In order to have a steroid cortisone injection, you will need a referral from a doctor. Here at The Lawrence Clinic, we have a Sports GP Dr. Banerjee who would be able to conduct an initial assessment to see if steroid injections would be the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
Consultations will include ultrasound services to assess the injury or pain, Many patients that visit our clinic have tried prescriptive tablets and are seeking advice to help with their pain management. Most patients say that they are struggling with the pain and one of the choices would be a steroid cortisone injection, Ostenil injections or PRP injections.
Ostenil is injected into the synovial fluid surrounding your joints can restore the normal PH balance and, as a result, reduce your pain and inflammation. The injection thickens your synovial fluid which acts as a lubricating and shock absorbing barrier. The injection is thought to restore the bodies ability to produce its own hyaluronan which increases the viscosity of the joint’s synovial fluid.
Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, is an injection therapy which aims to use the body’s natural healing ability to improve cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscle fibres, or even bone. Your blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge to separate the different components. The important plasma is then re-injected back into the body into the site of pain. The addition of extra platelet-rich plasma allows for faster healing and a reduction of pain.
Treatments for shoulder pain or knee pain are the most popular ones that have treatment with injection therapy.
Do you need to rest after a steroid injection ?
It would be beneficial if someone can drive you to your appointment if you are already booked in for a steroid injection, rest is important for the rest of the day. Steroid injections can take up to two weeks to work, some patients can feel the benefit within a few days.
Treatment for someone who is active in sports can benefit this type of service and cortisone for the knee is a popular treatment.
Cortisone injection Shoulder – Speak to our GP with regards to pain management of the shoulder.
Book in with our GP Dr Banerjee for an initial assessment with no waiting lists!
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