If you have been offered a steroid injection. Steroids are a group of medicines, which can relieve swelling, stiffness and pain by reducing inflammation.
What preparation do I need?
- For most people, no specific preparation is required beforehand.
- If you are on Warfarin, Rivaroxaban or Apixaban please inform us as soon as possible. Some patients need to alter their dose of this type of medicine before the injection can be done.
- If you are on other medication that affects blood clotting, (for example aspirin, clopidogrel, dipyridamole) no action is required but please inform the clinician performing the injection when you arrive.
You should not have a steroid injection if you
- Have a known allergy to local anaesthetic or steroids.
- Feel unwell.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Are due to have surgery near the injection site or elsewhere in your body.
- Do not want the injection.
What happens during the procedure?
- The skin is cleaned with an antiseptic.
- You may be offered an anaesthetic.
- A needle is gently put into the appropriate location and the steroid solution injected through the needle.
What happens after the procedure?
- You are free to leave after 20 minutes rest period
- If a local anaesthetic is used, it will only last a few hours.
- Steroids take 24-48 hours to start working.
- You will be given advice about appropriate activity and exercise following the injection.
What are the possible risks or side effects?
- The vast majority of patients have no significant problems with this procedure.
- On rare occasions it may not be possible to place the needle into the correct location and the injection cannot be carried out.
- Even if the injection is performed successfully, it may not help your symptoms.
- Minor bruising or bleeding at the injection site may occur. This is normal.
- You may find the area is more uncomfortable for a couple of days following the injection (known as steroid flare). If this occurs, you may take your usual pain medication, but do not exceed the stated dose.
- If you are on medication that affects blood clotting, there is an increased risk of bleeding. In recommending this injection however, your Specialist/Physiotherapist considers that this risk is outweighed by the benefits to be gained.
- As with any injection, there is a risk of infection. If you are concerned that there may be an infection in the days that follow you should seek urgent medical advice (for example via NHS24, your GP or Emergency Department). Signs of infection are significant heat or redness at the site, increased pain or fever.
Other potential side effects of steroids
- Temporary facial flushing.
- Temporary menstrual disturbance in women.
- Altered sugar levels if you are diabetic.
- A small area or fat loss (dimpling) or a change in skin colour at the site. These are rare.
- Long term weakening of tendon, which can very rarely cause tendon rupture, especially with repeated injections.
- Rarer still, but potentially serious risks, include damage to the nerves and an allergic reaction to local anaesthetics or steroid.
What if I have any questions about the procedure?
Hopefully this page provides you with useful information about the planned procedure. If you require further details please discuss them with your Specialist/Physiotherapist.