Ultrasound guided steroid injections

What is an ultrasound-guided steroid injection?

An ultrasound-guided steroid injection uses ultrasound imaging to guide an injection of a corticosteroid medication, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, into a specific area of the body.  

The steroid medication helps reduce pain, inflammation and swelling in conditions such as arthritis, joint inflammation, tendonitis, bursitis, and nerve impingement. 

At Wimpole Street Consulting Rooms and Diagnostic Centre, our rheumatology consultants work with specialist musculoskeletal radiologists to offer ultrasound-guided steroid injections to reduce pain with a quick, minimally invasive and accurate procedure. 

Who might need an ultrasound-guided steroid injection?

People with chronic (long-term) pain in or around their joints may be recommended an ultrasound-guided steroid injection to help reduce inflammation and pain levels. The treatment is particularly suitable for pain around a tendon, in a joint, in a small or deep structure or near a nerve. 

Our specialists can treat a range of conditions with ultrasound-guided steroid injections, with some of the most common conditions including: 

• hand or finger osteoarthritis 
• hip or knee arthritis 
• plantar fasciitis 
• shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tendinitis 
• tennis or golfer’s elbow 
• toe or ankle arthritis, or tendonitis
• trigger finger, or finger tendonitis 
• trochanteric bursitis 

If you have been diagnosed with one of these conditions, or you’re experiencing pain that you think could be occurring as a result, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists for a diagnosis and treatment.

Preparing for an ultrasound-guided steroid injection

Before your ultrasound-guided steroid injection, you may need to take certain precautions and follow specific instructions as advised by your clinician, which will be provided by our clinic. These instructions might include: 

• discontinuing the use of blood-thinning medications or supplements before the procedure 
• arranging transportation to and from the clinic, if necessary, as some patients may experience temporary numbness or weakness in the injected area 
• discussing any allergies or medical conditions with your consultant

How is an ultrasound-guided steroid injection administered?

The ultrasound-guided steroid injection procedure typically follows these steps: 

1. You will be positioned comfortably, and our specialist will clean and sterilise the area to be injected. 
2. The specialist will apply a local anaesthetic to numb the area. 
3. Using an ultrasound to guide them, our specialist will carefully insert a small needle into the targeted area. 
4. Once the needle is in the correct position, the steroid medication is injected into the desired area. 
5. The needle is removed and, if needed, a small bandage may be applied to the injection site. 

The procedure is quick. You should expect to be in the clinic for up to an hour, involving preparation, observation and aftercare, but the scanning and injection part of the procedure usually takes around 10 minutes.

Recovering from an ultrasound-guided steroid injection

Following your ultrasound-guided steroid injection, you may be given specific post-procedure instructions which may include: 

• resting the injected area and avoiding strenuous activities for a short period 
• applying ice to the injection site to help reduce any swelling or discomfort 
• taking over-the-counter pain relievers, if recommended by your consultant 
• scheduling a follow-up appointment to evaluate the effectiveness of the injection and discuss further treatment options if needed 

Resting after receiving the injection is particularly important, as this allows the steroid to diffuse into the tissues and begin reducing inflammation. We therefore advise that patients rest for 24-48 hours after the procedure. 

If you have any questions about the procedure, don’t hesitate to contact our team for further information.

What are the benefits of ultrasound-guided steroid injections?

Ultrasound-guided steroid injections are a very effective method of treating inflammation and pain, offering a quick solution help you feel more comfortable and reduce your pain. The main benefits of ultrasound-guided steroid injections are: 

• effective pain relief: The injections can provide significant pain relief by reducing inflammation in the targeted area 
• minimally invasive: The procedure requires only a small needle and no surgical incisions, therefore involving very little recovery afterwards 
• accurate targeting: Ultrasound guidance ensures precise needle placement, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of the injection 
• quick procedure: The injection usually takes only a few minutes to administer, allowing our team to offer the treatment on an outpatient basis 

Patients return home after receiving the injection to recover in their comfort of their own home.

Risks of an ultrasound-guided steroid injection

As with any procedure, an ultrasound-guided steroid injection comes with some possible risks and side effects. Some of these risks include: 

• adverse reaction to the steroids 
• bleeding or bruising at the injection site 
• infection 
• temporary increase in pain after the injection 

Our specialists will talk you through the possible risks and side effects of the procedure, and you will have the opportunity to ask any questions before you receive the injection.

Why choose Wimpole Street Consulting Rooms and Diagnostics Centre? 

When choosing our specialists based at Wimpole Street for your ultrasound-guided steroid injection, you can expect: 

• a multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, with access to a wide range of specialists 
• highly experienced consultants specialising in pain relief 
• personalised care and attention to your specific needs 
• state-of-the-art facilities and equipment 

Contact our team to book an appointment with one of our pain medicine specialists.