- 3 Blackberry Court, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, MK7 7PB
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Steroid (corticosteroid) injections are given to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in the joints and soft tissues of the body. Cortisone is used which is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that works to break the cycle of pain and swelling in the joint. Once pain is reduced a graduated return to normal exercise can be supervised by one of our physiotherapists.
Steroid (corticosteroid) injections are given to provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in the joints and soft tissues of the body. Cortisone is used which is a powerful anti-inflammatory medicine that works to break the cycle of pain and swelling in the joint. Once pain is reduced a graduated return to normal exercise can be supervised by one of our physiotherapists.
Steroid injections are effective in treatment of inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear, arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis and sudden painful attacks caused by gout. Sports injuries, ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, knee ligament sprains and bursitis can all be treated by steroid injections.
It is most important to have an accurate diagnosis of the injury or condition and our clinicians are experts in diagnosis. They will examine you thoroughly and the doctors may use x-ray or ultrasound to assist the diagnosis. If necessary, you will be referred for an MRI or to a surgeon if surgery is indicated.
Treatment for acute and chronic sports injuries, arthritis, soft tissue injuries and exercise medicine consultations
The cortisone injected only lasts in the body for around 2 weeks after which, occasionally the pain can return. This occurs when the underlying cause of the pain has not been addressed. At Blackberry Clinic we always address the underlying cause of the pain so that the pain is unlikely to return after an injection.
In the past, cortisone injections were done without anaesthetic in a doctor’s surgery without image guidance.
At Blackberry Clinic most of the injections include an anaesthetic to the skin and the cortisone is mixed with local anaesthetic which can result in an almost pain free injection.
In some parts of the body there are more sensory nerves and some discomfort is inevitable.
If repeatedly injected into the same place there have been reports of degradation of collagen and other soft tissues. The very fact that repeated injections were used in these case studies suggest that the injection was not working, in which case there should not be a need to repeat the injections. At Blackberry Clinic we limit the injections to a maximum of three in the same part of the body in a short period of time. Alternatives are PRP and prolotherapy or Ultrasound Shockwave Therapy depending on the diagnosis.
Most pain relief occurs during the first 2-4 weeks and you should contact the clinic for advice to see if you need a second injection for the best outcome after a couple of weeks. Once you are in less pain it is important that you book in to see one of our physios so they can monitor your progress and give you a graduated exercise programme to increase strength and mobility.
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