Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a steroid injection?

Yes, if you are an adult with one of many conditions. These include problems like osteoarthritis of the knee and shoulder, frozen shoulder, rotator cuff syndromes, hip bursitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and many more. See our 'Pain By Body Area' page for details.

What if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

Injections are considered safe at any stage of pregnancy and with breastfeeding.

The evidence shows that steroid injections can give pain relief from anywhere from about 2 weeks up to 3 months. It depends on what the condition is, and the type and dose of steroid used.

Most patients feel a benefit about a week after injection. If there is no benefit by 6 weeks after injection, then future injections may not be helpful.

Do they work?

Do I need a referral from a GP or physiotherapist?

No. As a GP and doctor with more than two decades of experience, I can make my own assessment of your issue and offer injection as needed.

We do accept referrals from other health professionals. Simply click here to refer.

Who should be careful having an injection?

Diabetics should be aware that your blood sugars may rise slightly for anything up to a week after the injection. This settles with time.

If you are due a live vaccination, you may want to avoid having a steroid injection within a week or two of the vaccination.

If you are planning to have surgery on the joint you want injected, you should avoid a steroid injection within 1 month of the planned surgery.

Anyone under age 18.

Patients with an active infection of any kind.

Patients allergic to steroids.

Patients with glaucoma, as steroid injections can temporarily increase pressure in the eye.

Patients on warfarin. We cannot safely offer injection, although with blood testing, other providers can.

Patients due to have surgery within 1 month of a possible injection.

Patients with a metal joint cannot have that joint injected.

Who cannot have an injection?

After your consultation and agreement, we will carry out the procedure.

You will be asked to expose the necessary area. Wearing loose clothing makes this easier.

Once exposed, the skin over the joint will be cleaned and prepared.

The solution for injection will be double-checked with you before being drawn up.

The joint or soft tissue area will then be injected.

The area will be checked for bleeding, and a plaster applied (as long as you are not allergic to plasters).

Once done, you will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area for 10 minutes to make sure you have no side effects.

Once you feel ready, you may leave. You may drive 30 minutes after the injection has been performed, as long as you feel well.

What should I expect on the day?

What should I expect after the injection?

There may an increase in pain in the injected joint for up to 48 hours. This is normal. Paracetamol is a good pain-killer for this.​

​You should rest the affected joint for 2 days after the injection. No heavy activities. It is fine to use it gently.

You should expect that it generally takes 5 - 7 days for pain to improve. The benefit can be felt for up to 3 months. Sometimes it can last for longer.

What if there is a problem after injection?

We would expect you to get in touch with us for advice.

In particular, if you had concerns about an infected joint after an injection, we would want to help with this. We have never had it happen.

How often can I have an injection?

In general, you can have an injection every three months or so. It depends on the problem.

There is a maximum amount of steroid any person can have in one year, and some risks become slightly more likely with more frequent injections. This needs consideration when thinking about repeat injections over a longer time.