Cortisone / Steroid Injections

Cortisone injections, commonly known as steroid injections, are a powerful anti-inflammatory treatment used to relieve pain and inflammation. In some instances, they can also cure the condition being treated. These injections are most commonly administered into larger joints such as knees, ankles, and elbows, but they can also be used in smaller joints like the metatarsals in the feet. Typically, the injection is combined with a local anaesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.

Patients can often feel immediate relief after the procedure, but it can take up to a week for the full effect to settle in. In some cases, the pain relief provided by the injections can last from a month to a year. Depending on the type and severity of the condition, cortisone injections can sometimes offer a permanent solution.

While one injection can sometimes provide a complete resolution, a maximum of three injections is recommended within a year. Smaller doses can be administered at six-weekly intervals or sooner if necessary.

Steroid injections can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Ankle osteoarthritis
• Bunion pain/arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Gout
• Heel bursitis
• Morton's Neuroma

Side effects associated with steroid injections are very rare. However, your experienced podiatrist will discuss and explain all potential side effects during your appointment. Possible side effects include:

• Post-injection flare
• Skin atrophy/depigmentation/bleeding
• Tendon atrophy/rupture
• Infection – if the area becomes hot, swollen, and painful for more than 24 hours, you should contact your clinician or doctor immediately
• Facial flushing
• Menstrual irregularity
• Impaired diabetic control
• Temporary bruising if you are taking blood-thinning medication

After the injection, the podiatrist will advise you to wait in the waiting room for 30 minutes to ensure there is no allergic reaction to the drug.

Steroid injections are not recommended if you:

• Have a hypersensitivity or allergy to any drug/medicine used – risk of anaphylaxis
• Are prone to local or systemic infection (septicaemia and/or sepsis)
• Are reluctant to have the injection
• Are under 18
• Have had a recent fracture
• Have a prosthetic joint
• Are pregnant

Your podiatrist will schedule a follow-up appointment 7-10 days post-injection. During this appointment, you will be given low-level exercises to help keep the joint active and mobile.