Understand how treatment works

Joints, tendons, and nerves of the lower limb can become damaged and painful through acute or long-term stress. Injection therapy can provide relief from pain in the foot. We often use diagnostic ultrasound to guide injections to the site that is causing pain. Injections can be given to reduce inflammation (corticosteroid) or to reduce friction and provide nutrient for the joint (hyaluronic acid).

Uses of Steroid Injections in feet?

A localised steroid injection is an option before surgery on your foot. (Oral steroids taken by mouth have more side effects).

Discuss your concerns

We will make a full assessment and discuss whether Steroid Injections treatment can help you.  Steroid injections can be effective at treating the following:

• Plantar Fasciitis
• Hallux Rigidus
• Morton’s Neuroma
• Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Achilles Tendinopathy
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
• Posterior Tibial Tendonitis
• Gout
  

Once you have a steroid injection, some patients experience pain relief within a few hours, others may take a couple of days, or sometimes up to two weeks. The timing often depends on the type of medication you receive. A steroid injection can be very effective in easing your foot pain.

Treatment Protocol

• A steroid injection typically takes just a few minutes. It is usually given in the clinical room.
• The soft tissue or joint is first injected with a local anaesthetic to numb the area, to reduce pain.
• Once the area is numb the steroids, are given. The area may stay sore for a few days. You’ll need to rest the area for a day or two.
• You will be reviewed 4 to 6 weeks later and the injection repeated if necessary, to a maximum of three injections per year.

Possible Complications and risks with steroid injections:

• Flare reaction (may feel like a bee sting for up to a week)
• Facial flushing ( may last a few days)
• Thin skin over the area of injection (steroid skin)
• Cartilage deterioration
• Thinning of bones (osteoporosis) if injections are overused)
• Bone deterioration (osteonecrosis)
• Weakened tendon (we avoid injecting into tendons)