Treating osteo-arthritis, shoulder pain and many others
Live pain-free with the effective osteo-arthritis, soft injection treatments, Jo provides from her clinic in Cheadle, Cheshire.
For more information on the treatments she offers.
Please get in touch to arrange a consultation.
steroid Soft Tissue and Joint injections
Cortico-steroid Anti-inflammatory injections are fantastic for reducing pain around the body from shoulder pain to tennis elbow or osteoarthritis in the knee.
They effectively treat most soft tissue problems. Please call for more information.
Hyaluronic Joint Treatments
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance found in our body and particularly our joints, but as we age, it is far slower to replenish and as a consequence, we get stiff joints. Replenishing the hyaluronic acid helps the joints move better and reduces pain, the hyaluronic acid also stimulates the surfaces of your joints to produce more HA and can work for up to 6 months.
Jo tends to use Ostenil Plus and gets good results from this. There are others available such as Durolane. You can decide this with Jo, following discussion.
What Is Corticosteroid?
Corticosteroid is a medicine which relieves swelling, stiffness, and pain by reducing inflammation.
Is This the Same Drug That Athletes and Bodybuilders Take?
No. Those are anabolic steroids. The steroids Jo injects are completely different and are corticosteroids.
Why Do I Need a Steroid Injection?
Because it will help reduce your pain. You can then start rehabilitation sooner, have fewer treatment sessions, and return to normal activities more quickly.
Why Don’t I Just Take Anti-Inflammatory Pills?
You can, but the side effects of these are much more common and can cause stomach upsets and bleeding. These injections bypass the stomach. Plus they are administered to the site of the pain, so have a direct effect.
Are There Any Times I Should Not Have an Injection?
Yes, if you:
• Have Any Infection on Your Skin or Anywhere Else in Your Body
• Are Allergic to Local Anaesthetic or Steroid
• Feel Unwell
• Are Due to Have Surgery at the Area Soon
• Are Pregnant
• Are Under Eighteen
• Do Not Want the Injection
what Are the Possible Side Effects?
These are very rare, but for your peace of mind, Jo will discuss them with you:
• Flushing of the Face for a Few Hours
• Small Area of Fat Loss or a Change in Colour of the Skin Around the Injection Site in more superficial injections
• Slight Vaginal Bleeding
• Diabetic Patients May Notice a Temporary Increase in Blood Sugar Levels
• Infection: If the Area Becomes Hot, Swollen, and Painful for More Than Twenty-Four Hours You Should Contact Your Physiotherapist or Doctor Immediately
• You Will Be Asked to Wait after the Injection to Ensure There Is No Allergic Reaction to the Drug
How is the Injection Administered?
All injections are done under strict aseptic conditions with sterile gloves and equipment. After this, Jo will gently put the needle into the affected area and inject the solution into it. Shortly after this, Jo will examine you again.
Is the Injection Painful?
Not particularly, as Jo has had extensive training and experience in the technique. You may experience some soreness after the injection for a couple of days, but Jo will tell you what to do about this.
How LONG Does the Injection Work?
If Jo uses a local anaesthetic, the pain should be less within a few minutes, though it may return after about an hour, just as when you visit the dentist. The steroid usually starts to work within twenty-four to forty-eight hours but may take longer.
How Long Does the Effect Last?
It depends from person to person and condition to condition, some people only need one injection and in others it can last for several months. Occasionally it only lasts for a few weeks.
How Many Injections Can I Have?
The number of injections needed depends on the body part treated and will be decided by Jo and yourself. Usually, one injection is sufficient, but if the pain is severe or has been there for a long time, you may need more.
What Should I Do after the Injection?
Depending on what caused the problem, Jo will provide different advice. For example, for problems caused by overuse, you may be advised to do early, gentle movement. But please be aware, it is best not to ‘overdo’ things in the first two weeks after the injection to allow the steroid to give long-lasting benefits. If the steroid starts working quickly, it is tempting to do too much, which can result in the effects of the injection being short-lived.
When Will I Have to Be Seen Again?
Jo will discuss with you if you need to see a physiotherapist for rehab and will recommend one if there is somebody in your area. She may give you some exercises to do at home.
Generally you do not need to be seen again but if you do or if you have any problems, Jo is always on hand to give advice.
Injection Therapy Information
Injections into soft tissues and joints can be very effective in giving pain relief when the tissue is inflamed. The injection that you have had includes a small amount of corticosteroid that has an anti-inflammatory action and a local anaesthetic which numbs the area temporarily.
To gain the most benefit from this injection, you need to follow the advice provided. Failure to do this will affect how well the treatment works. It often takes several days before any improvement is noticeable, however, during this time you should only experience your normal level of discomfort.
If you want an expert opinion on your diagnosis, please contact Jo to book in for your diagnostic assessment. You can also contact her for a free telephone consultation to discuss your problems and arrange the most suitable treatment.
