What is a steroid injection?
Steroid injections may be used within musculoskeletal practice to try to help with pain management and potentially give a window of opportunity for more effective involvement in physiotherapy rehabilitation treatment.
Steroid injections are not guaranteed to help. We would usually expect to see a response within 6 weeks of your injection. If it has not helped at this stage, it is unlikely it will help after this. If it does work, the effects are known to be temporary with the majority of evidence suggesting those that do experience relief usually feel improvement for around 3 months.
Can I have a steroid injection?
As part of your treatment, if a steroid injection may be of benefit then you will be seen by a specially trained clinician. Various factors can then be discussed to see if an injection is the right thing for you.
Most problems can be managed through physiotherapy treatment, modifying activities and use of simple pain relief.
Steroid injections are generally safe but, like all medications, there are some risks and side effects and certain circumstances mean you may not be able to receive an injection. The person involved in your care will discuss this with you to help you to make a decision about your treatment.
If a steroid injection is agreed between you and your Health Care Professional, you will need to complete a consent form and medical screening questionnaire. Your treatment can be planned around your individual needs. Aftercare advice will also be discussed with you at your appointment.
There is more information about steroid injections on the Versus Arthritis Website