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Corticosteroid injections



  • What is a corticosteroid injection?
    Corticosteroids are strong anti-inflammatory medications, which, in injection form can target the site of the pathology. The local injection helps to minimise the risk of major systemic side effects which can occur when these medications are taken orally.
  • How long does it take for the corticosteroid injection to show an effect?
    It usually takes 3-4 days before the corticosteroid injection actually works.
  • What is the main aim of the corticosteroid injections?
    The main aim of the injection is to control the symptoms and help other treatments including physical therapy, to address the primary pathology.
  • What are the common conditions where corticosteroid injections are used?
    ●Inflammatory joint conditions such as Synovitis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Seronegative Arthritis, Sacroilitis
    ●Selected cases of degenerative arthritis for short term symptoms control
    ●Bursitis around shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and other joints, Intermetatarsal bursitis
    ●Tendinopathy: Tennis Elbow, Golder Elbow, Plantar fasciitis, Paratendinitis
    ●Others: De Quervain’s disease, Ganglion, Morton neuroma, Diagnostic injections to different joints to isolate specific cause of the pain
  • What is the cost of this procedure?
    The cost of the procedure will be discussed with you well in advance at the time of booking your appointment for the procedure.
  • What will happen on the day of the Procedure?
    Dr Khullar will explain the procedure to you. After all your questions related to the procedure are answered to your satisfaction, you will be asked to sign an informed consent document. The procedure will be done under ultrasound guidance with the use of local anesthetic. Before you leave, Dr Khullar will discuss the post-injection precautions and advice. A limited period of rest or modified activity is advised for 1-2 days after the injection.
  • What are the risks of corticosteroid injections?

    Corticosteroid injections are usually a very safe procedure, especially when done after proper medical diagnosis. However, like any medical procedure there are some risks and side effects associated with these injections.

    The common side effects or risk:

    ●Pain after the injection
    ●Redness at the site of injection
    ●Redness or flushing of the face
    ●Raised blood pressure
    ●Raised Blood sugar levels
    ●Infection
    ●Other minor risks:
    (a)Loss of sleep
    (b)Nerve damage
    (c)Cartilage damage
    (d)Bleeding
    (e)Tendon rupture if the corticosteroid injection is done directly into the tendon. This can be helped by targeting the injection under ultrasound guidance and avoiding the actual tendon.

    Please discuss with the doctor if you have:

    ●Allergies especially to local anaesthetic medications
    ●Bleeding disorder
    ●Recent surgery
    ●Anything else of concern to you

    Also, make sure you read the general information in Injection clinic in the Services provided section of our website
Note:   If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us through email or the phone numbers provided in the Contact information (Click Here).