Steroid joint injections Swansea
Steroid joint injections Swansea are usually the last resort for many who simply can’t manage the pain they are in.
Steroid joint injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions. They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain and arthritis.
Cortisone injections that may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. They’re most commonly injected into joints — such as your ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine and wrist. Even the small joints in your hands and feet might benefit from cortisone steroid joint injections.
The injections usually comprise a corticosteroid prescription medication and a local anaesthetic. It is a procedure that takes just a few minutes after a consultation.Because of potential side effects, the number of treatments you can receive in one year generally is limited.
We do not diagnose the complaint here at the clinic, our patients have usually seen either a GP,a Physiotherapist or Osteopath for diagnosis and they have been recommended to have a steroid injection and the above professionals may not be able to give it.
Who can have steroid injections
- Have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks – you usually need to wait at least six weeks between injections
- You’ve had three steroid injections in the last year – doctors usually recommend no more than three injections in the same area in the space of 12 months
- Have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
- Have an infection (including eye infections)
- Have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations
- are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby
- Have any other conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy , high blood pressure, or problems with your liver, heart or kidneys
- Are taking other medicines, such as anticoagulants
Steroid injections may not always be suitable in these cases, although your doctor may recommend them if they think the benefits outweigh any risks.
How steroid injections work
Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands found above the kidneys.
When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. This can help relieve pain and stiffness. This can some times be used so your physiotherapist can do their job better with you being out of pain.
Cost £150 per injection including consultation
Side effects of steroid joint injections
Possible side effects of steroid injections depend on where the injection is given.
Side effects of injections into the joints, muscles or spine can include:
- Pain and discomfort for a few days – paracetamol may help with this
- Temporary bruising or a collection of blood under the skin
- Flushing of the face for a few hours
- An infection, causing redness, swelling and pain – get medical advice as soon as possible if you have these symptoms
- A loss of fat where the injection was given – this can cause dimples in the skin and may be permanent
- Paler skin around the site of the injection – this may be permanent
- If you have diabetes , your blood sugar level may go up for a few days
- If you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure may go up for a few days