Types of Injection We Offer
Steroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can often give rapid and effective reduction in pain and inflammation. They often work well for those who have symptoms of swelling and resting pain. Joints such as the knee, shoulder, base of thumb and big toe are joints commonly injected for symptoms associated with arthritis. Other conditions often helped with a steroid injection are frozen shoulder, sub acromial shoulder pain (pain felt at the top and front of the shoulder), carpal tunnel syndrome, trochanteric bursitis of the hip, trigger finger, de quervain's tenosynovitis, morton's neuroma and tennis elbow.
Injecting steroid helps target a much smaller dose more precisely to the area of pain.
Longer acting steroids, such as those used for injections can work immediately or can take up to a week to work, Their effect usually lasts for several months. If you have a good response and your symptoms settle, they can be repeated. You can have up to three steroid injections a year.
Local anaesthetic is often given alongside steroid and can cause some localised numbness, this may last a couple of hours.
Most people tolerate an injection very well, there can be some minor discomfort at the time of injection. Around 20% of patients may notice a slight flare up of their symptoms for 24-48 hours post injection. This is called a post injection flare and is one of the more common side effects.
Click on the link below for more details about steroid injections, including potential side effects and after care. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Steroid Injection Information
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid works differently to steroid, in that it's not an anti-inflammatory, but acts as a joint lubricant. It also supports the joint space, helping aid shock absorption. Research shows that intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections (IAHA) can be an effective option in the management of an joint with arthritis. The most common joint injected with hyaluronic acid is the knee joint.
Unlike cortisone (steroid), the effect of hyaluronic acid is often not immediate. It often takes up to 4 weeks to notice an impact. However, the results can last longer than cortisone averaging 6 to 12 months. For example, in a recent study on a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (Durolane), the average effect lasts about 15 months.
IAHA injections are suitable for people who are allergic to steroids or can’t use steroids for medical reasons.
IAHA isn't suitable for severe arthritis or a joint that has changed shape (i.e. bow legged knee)
Those with mild-moderate OA and a 'grumpy' joint are thought to respond most favourably to this option. Unlike steroid injections, knees without evidence of swelling tend to have a better outcome. If you do have a swollen knee and we think IAHA is an appropriate option for you, then we can use a combination of the two types of injections. With corticosteroid being administered first to reduce the swelling, followed by IAHA a few weeks later.
We use Durolane as research suggests higher molecular hyaluronic acid is better. Generally, they are more cross-linked, making the molecules bigger so they are likely to last longer.
Click on the link below for more details about Durolane injections, including potential side effects and after care.
Durolane Injection Information
Restore Your Quality of Life!
Book your free consultation with one of our highly experienced clinicians and get your symptoms under control.