Common Conditions Treated with Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are commonly used to treat:

• Shoulder pain – including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and subacromial bursitis

• Knee osteoarthritis – to reduce pain and swelling

• Hip bursitis (trochanteric bursitis)

• Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis)

• Knee Meniscal Tear Pain

• Trigger finger

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Thumb joint osteoarthritis

How Do Steroid Injections Work?

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications. When injected directly into an inflamed area, they calm the immune response, reduce swelling, and relieve pressure on surrounding tissues. This often results in significant pain relief, allowing you to move more comfortably and resume rehabilitation or daily activities.

How Many Injections Can You Have?

Current guidance usually limits the number of steroid injections to no more than 3–4 per year in a single area, to reduce the risk of tissue weakening or joint damage. Your physiotherapist or referring clinician will advise you based on your individual case.

What to Expect During the Procedure

• First, you will have a detailed discussion with the specialist physiotherapist about your condition, followed by a thorough assessment.
• The next step is to ensure you understand the risks of the procedure and give your consent for it to happen
• The injection itself is a quick, minimally invasive procedure that usually takes around 10–15 minutes.

• Most people are able to resume light activity shortly afterwards. However we recommend a couple of days of rest from heavy or high loaded activity following your injection.

When Are Steroid Injections Most Effective?

Steroid injections are most effective when:

• Inflammation is the primary cause of pain- night pain and pain at rest are common signs, as well as swelling.

• Conservative treatments like physiotherapy and medication haven’t provided enough relief

• The pain is preventing you from participating in rehabilitation or daily tasks

Steroid injections are often part of a combined treatment plan, not a stand-alone cure.

Are Steroid Injections Safe?

Steroid injections are considered safe when performed by a trained professional. Like all medical procedures, there are potential risks, which may include:

• Temporary pain flare after injection for up to 48 hours after your injection

• Skin thinning or discolouration at the injection site

• Infection (rare)

• Temporary elevation in blood sugar (especially in diabetics)

Your clinician will discuss the risks and benefits with you before proceeding. For more information download our steroid injection information sheet.

Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid works differently to steroid, in that it's not an anti-inflammatory, but acts as a joint lubricant. It also supports the joint space, helping aid shock absorption. Research shows that intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections (IAHA) can be an effective option in the management of an joint with arthritis. The most common joint injected with hyaluronic acid is the knee joint.

Unlike cortisone (steroid), the effect of hyaluronic acid is often not immediate. It often takes up to 4 weeks to notice an impact. However, the results can last longer than cortisone  averaging 6 to 12 months. For example, in a recent study on a high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (Durolane), the average effect lasts about 15 months.

IAHA injections are suitable for people who are allergic to steroids or can’t use steroids for medical reasons. 

IAHA isn't suitable for severe arthritis or a joint that has changed shape (i.e. bow legged knee)

Those with mild-moderate OA and a 'grumpy' joint are thought to respond most favourably to this option. Unlike steroid injections, knees without evidence of swelling tend to have a better outcome.  If you do have a swollen knee and we think IAHA is an appropriate option for you, then we can use a combination of the two types of injections.  With corticosteroid being administered first to reduce the swelling, followed by IAHA a few weeks later.

We use Durolane as research suggests higher molecular hyaluronic acid is better. Generally, they are more cross-linked, making the molecules bigger so they are likely to last longer.

Click on the link below for more details about Durolane injections, including potential side effects and after care.