Musculoskeletal Clinic & Joint Injections
We provide joint injections therapy for certain musculoskeletal complaints.
Our doctors have undertaken further specialist training in musculoskeletal treatment.
We accept patients whom are referred by their GP
Corticosteroid injections, commonly known as “cortisone,” can reduce inflammation in painful joints caused by conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Used for over 60 years, these synthetic injections mimic the body’s natural steroid production. While they provide temporary relief—lasting weeks to months—they do not cure underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The injection is part of a broader treatment plan, helping manage flare-ups, enable physical therapy, or delay surgery. Maintaining an ideal body weight can also support weight-bearing joints
FAQs
How does a steroid injection work?
A steroid injection doesn’t directly relieve pain but reduces inflammation, which in turn alleviates discomfort. When injected into an inflamed area, like the knee or shoulder, it delivers a high concentration of steroid with minimal side effects. Pain usually improves within days, and the injection can provide relief for weeks, months, or even longer. For best results, steroid injections should be paired with proper rest and rehabilitation, with activity gradually increasing after the injection.
Which individuals should not have a steroid Injection?
Steroid injections have few contraindications, but you should discuss the following conditions with your doctor before proceeding:
- Skin infection at the injection site
- Allergic reaction to previous steroid injections
- Use of blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
- Acute injury (e.g., fractures)
- Joint infection (septic arthritis)
Repeated steroid injections can affect soft tissues and joints. Doctors typically wait 3 to 4 months before repeating an injection or considering surgery. Over time, steroid injections may become less effective in arthritic joints, not due to “immunity” but because of ongoing joint degeneration. Athletes should avoid steroid injections before competition, as activity may worsen the injury, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
What are the potential side effects of steroid injections?
As with any procedure involving injections, adverse reactions can occur.
One such reaction, called a “steroid flare,” affects about 2% of patients. This happens when the steroid crystallizes and causes pain worse than before the injection, but it typically resolves within 12 to 48 hours with icing.
In less than 5% of cases, the skin around the injection site may temporarily whiten, which is generally harmless but can be permanent. Less than 1% of patients may also experience atrophy of fat cells at the injection site, causing a depression in the skin, which typically resolves within 6 months but may take up to 2 to 3 years.
Other potential side effects include softening of cartilage and weakening of tendons, particularly in patients receiving frequent injections over months or years. To minimize this risk, most doctors recommend spacing injections at least 3 months apart.
Diabetic patients may experience a temporary spike in blood sugar levels due to steroid absorption, so careful monitoring is advised for 24 to 48 hours following the injection.
Although rare, infections at the injection site can occur but are mostly preventable with proper skin sterilization.
