Therapy
Steroid Joint Injection
A steroid joint injection delivers anti-inflammatory medicine directly into or around a joint to reduce pain and swelling.
Quick answer
Steroid Joint Injection: what it is, why it's done and what happens
A steroid (corticosteroid) injection places a strong anti-inflammatory medicine, often with a local anaesthetic, directly into a painful joint, tendon sheath or bursa to calm inflammation.
- Why it is done: It is used for painful, inflamed joints and soft tissues — such as in arthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome — to relieve symptoms and support rehabilitation.
- What happens: The skin is cleaned and the injection is given, sometimes guided by ultrasound for accuracy.
What it is
A steroid (corticosteroid) injection places a strong anti-inflammatory medicine, often with a local anaesthetic, directly into a painful joint, tendon sheath or bursa to calm inflammation.
Why it is done
It is used for painful, inflamed joints and soft tissues — such as in arthritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome — to relieve symptoms and support rehabilitation.
What happens
The skin is cleaned and the injection is given, sometimes guided by ultrasound for accuracy. It takes only a few minutes and is usually done in a clinic without anaesthetic to the whole area.
Recovery
You can usually go home straight away. Pain may briefly increase for a day or two before improving, with the benefit often lasting weeks to months. Resting the area for a day or so is commonly advised.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks are small and include a temporary flare of pain, skin thinning or colour change at the site, and rarely infection. Benefit is often temporary, and repeated injections into the same area are limited.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Steroid Joint Injection: frequently asked questions
How long does a steroid injection last?
Relief varies widely — often weeks to a few months. It can be enough to break a cycle of pain and allow physiotherapy, but it usually treats symptoms rather than curing the underlying problem.
How often can I have steroid injections?
They are generally limited to a few per year in the same area, because frequent injections can weaken tissues. Your clinician will advise on safe frequency for your situation.
Related
Other therapy
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Orthopaedic Association / relevant professional body
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