Cortisone INJECTIONs
Vale Health Clinic
Tunbridge wells
We offer ultrasound-guided cortisone injections to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions and sports-related injuries.
AT A GLANCE
TREATS
Tendonitis
Bursitis
Sports injuries
Anaesthesia
Local
Duration
30 minutes
Recovery
48 hours low activity, followed by 2 weeks of avoiding heavy impact and intense loading activities
Reduced Inflammation: cortisone injections have potent anti-inflammatory properties, making injections valuable in reducing inflammation
Pain Relief: cortisone injections can provide effective and targeted relief from pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions
Fast pain relief
An effective pain relief option
Reducing Pain Improving Mobility
Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections offer precise and effective pain relief for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, helping individuals alleviate discomfort and enhance their quality of life.
INJECTION TREATMENT OVERVIEW
Cortisone injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are named after the powerful anti-inflammatory compound they contain. These injections are synthetic versions of the body’s natural “glucocorticoids,” which play a vital role in controlling inflammation. By delivering this potent anti-inflammatory agent directly to the inflamed area, cortisone injections typically reduce pain and swelling, providing significant relief from symptoms.
They are particularly effective in treating inflamed joints, tendon sheaths, and chronic conditions like inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
When prompt pain relief is needed and NHS waiting times are too long, we offer a fast and cost-effective alternative. At Vale health Clinic Tunbridge Wells, our service includes an ultrasound scan and a comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment to ensure thorough care.
Using ultrasound guidance allows for precise targeting of the affected area, ensuring the injection is accurately placed. Research shows that this approach significantly improves procedure outcomes while enabling the use of the lowest effective dose. In contrast, injections given without ultrasound guidance may require repeat procedures, which are less ideal. Additionally, ultrasound-guided injections reduce the risk of damaging surrounding tissues, minimising tissue damage and associated pain.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED CORTISONE INJECTION?
During an ultrasound-guided steroid injection, our injection practitioner will carefully choose the appropriate steroid and dosage, taking into account the specific area to be treated, your clinical history, and the severity of your condition. We will start by reviewing your case history and conducting a thorough orthopaedic and neurological examination, followed by a diagnostic ultrasound scan. This comprehensive approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and allows us to select the most effective treatment modality for your needs
Assuming there are no contraindications, the practitioner will proceed to inject the steroid directly into the area, such as a joint or the surrounding soft tissue identified during the diagnosis. Most patients find these injections to be comfortable and well tolerated.
Depending on your medical history and examination, we may need to postpone the injection if certain conditions are present, such as unstable blood pressure or fluctuating blood sugar levels due to diabetes. In such cases, specific written consent from your GP may be required before proceeding with the injection.
WHAT TO EXPECT FOLLOWING THE INJECTION?
After the injection, the local anesthetic often provides immediate pain relief, though this numbing effect usually wears off within a few hours. The steroid’s full impact may take several days to become noticeable, with significant pain reduction typically occurring within a week. We will also recommend specific rehabilitation exercises, pain and anti-inflammatory medications, and strategies such as icing, compression, and activity modification.
Depending on the injection site, you may be advised to avoid driving for about an hour, as some numbness could occur.
For joint injections, it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for approximately two days. If the injection is near a tendon, it’s advisable to avoid heavy impact and intense loading activities for 10-14 days. On the day of treatment, we’ll provide guidance on when to resume normal activities and may recommend a course of shockwave therapy or physiotherapy.
WILL I REQUIRE ADDITIONAL INJECTIONS
If you experience pain relief from the injection and alternative treatments have been ineffective or unsuitable, repeat steroid injections can typically be administered safely, but we would not normally have more than 3 per year. Some injections serve to create a ‘window of opportunity’ for engaging in exercise and rehabilitation. As your pain becomes better managed, the emphasis often shifts towards exercise and conservative management, potentially reducing the necessity for further injections. Once the pain levels have reduced to a more tolerable level, we may also advise other treatment modalities such as focused shockwave or HA injections.
When can I not have an injection
- Have an infection
- Exhibit allergies to local anesthetics or steroids
- Feeling unwell or have fever
- Have upcoming surgery planned in the same area
- Are unsure or hesitant about receiving the injection
At Vale health clinic we provide various payment options
Please book your free initial 10 minute free telephone or face-to-face consultation to ascertain the suitability of the injection and the different treatments we offer.
| Procedure | Specialists | Injection Therapist |
|---|---|---|
Ultrasound guided Cortisone Injections | Gary Edwards | £250 (One area) £350 (Two areas) |
Benefits of cortisone Injections
These injections can offer several advantages for various musculoskeletal conditions, including bursitis, tendinopathy, osteoarthritis, and related sports injuries.
Pain Relief: Cortisone injections can significantly alleviate pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and other musculoskeletal disorders. They work by directly reducing inflammation in the affected area, thereby easing pain.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Corticosteroids possess strong anti-inflammatory properties, making them effective in reducing swelling, redness, and pain caused by inflammation resulting from injury.
Fast-acting: Cortisone injections often provide quicker relief compared to oral medications, as they are administered directly to the affected area. This direct delivery bypasses the digestive system, allowing the medication to take effect rapidly. The use of ultrasound guidance further enhances accuracy.
Localised Treatment: Unlike oral medications and other painkillers that affect the entire body, ultrasound-guided steroid injections target a specific area of pain and inflammation. This precise approach minimizes systemic side effects.
Adjunct to Other Treatments: Cortisone injections can be part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, rest, or other medications. They help manage symptoms while underlying conditions are being treated or managed.
It’s important to note that while these injections offer significant benefits, they also carry potential risks and limitations, such as the risk of infection, tissue damage, temporary worsening of symptoms, and systemic side effects. Therefore, it’s crucial to carefully review the consent form to fully understand the risks and benefits of the procedure.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
After the procedure, typically we advise refraining from engaging in strenuous physical activities for several days to allow your body to recover optimally. staying hydrated is also recommended. If you experience any discomfort or pain, Paracetamol can be safely used for pain management as needed.
It is important to follow your clinician post-procedure instructions carefully and attend follow-up consultation.
YOUR SIMPLE 4 STEP JOURNEY
Step 1. Free Intial consultation
At Vale Health Clinic, we offer every patient a complimentary consultation with one of our injecting practitioners.
There’s no obligation to proceed with treatment. The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns in detail and explore the benefits and risks of the procedure.
Many people experience significant relief from persistent conditions, such as arthritis in various joints, or soft tissue issues like frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome, through ultrasound-guided steroid injections.
STEP 2. Physical exam and ultrasound
We will conduct a thorough case history and perform orthopedic tests to help confirm your diagnosis. If necessary, we may also perform a diagnostic ultrasound scan to assist in visualizing the issue. Based on the examination findings, we may refer you for an X-ray or MRI.
We will take the time to explain the procedure and address any questions you may have, ensuring you fully understand the benefits and risks before proceeding.
STEP 3. Injection procedure
All cortisone injections are delivered with ultrasound guidance. You’ll be given individual pre-injection advice to reduce your chance of bleeding or infection and support your recovery and aid healing
It’s important to let your practitioner know if you’re on any prescription or over-the-counter medications. You may be asked to stop taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory tablets, which can increase the risk of bruising. It’s also important to stop smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes before and after the procedure because they can disrupt the healing process.
Local anesthetic is normally used for this procedure so it not advised to drive to your appointment.
STEP 4: RECOVERY AFTER INJECTION
Following the procedure, most individuals can return home and resume their normal activities. Our clinical team will be available to offer water and provide guidance on post-injection care.
For the next 48 hours, it’s advisable to refrain from strenuous activities and alcohol consumption. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t notice immediate effects; it typically takes a few days for the injection to take effect
A follow-up appointment or phone consultation will be scheduled for four weeks after the procedure to review the progress.
MEET THE TEAM
Gary Edwards
Doctor of Chiropractic and Injection therapy
Book Your Consultation
To book you free consultation, please complete the form below. One of our practitioners will contact you to discuss your condition and schedule your appointment.
Please Read Our Google Reviews
What our clients say
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5 Star
April 2024 - Lee D. | Hip Pain
Would highly recommend this place went to see Jon because had hip pain and bad flair ups took the time to have a chat and ultra scan of area then asked if I was happy to go ahead with steroid injection which I found completely painless.still had pain after about 10days but then took affect very happy to be painless in my hip again and flair ups have gone. found all the staff are very nice and very clean setting.Jon rang me back 1 month after treatment to see how I was doing will definitely use this place again but hopefully won't have to 🤞
April 2024 - Julie | Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Husband received injection for torn rotator cuff. What an amazing result after 1st injection. Pain free and able to move arm again. Thank you Jon for your skills and giving him back his quality of life. Definitely recommend.
October 2023 - Steve H. | Shoulder Bursitis
Had fluid on the bursa of shoulder went to John. Free consultation gave me an ultra sound and then administered inject again whilst using ultra sound to make sure delivered in correct area. ( nhs were just going to eyeball it ). John also gave advice on rehab measures and said come back in 5 weeks to check on progess.
August 2023 - Anneliese C. | Hip labral tear
I booked in with Jon with a consultation around a month ago for a hip labral tear. Then had my steroid injection with guided ultrasound today and it already feels alot better. I have to say Jon was amazing!! He informed me more than the hospital did regarding my results I had showed him. Jon is friendly, welcoming and professional. The ladies on the front desk are lovely too. 100% recommending Jon to everyone. I wish I had found him sooner as have been waiting on the NHS since January to get this done. The injection was done with great care and was over before I realised. So thank you sooo very much Jon!!
July 2023 - Sarah D. | Shoulder bursitis
After paying a lot of money and over 6 months of pain (not even being able to carry a shopping bag) for Physio with no improvement, I went to see Jon after 1 injection for my bursitis, and the correct exercises I am almost back to 100% with little or no pain Highly recommend, the aftercare is first class - if I had any other problems I would go and see Jon first.
