Traditionally, cortisone injections have been performed ‘blind’ which means doctors have been looking at and feeling anatomical landmarks on people’s bodies to guide their injections. Once the needle is in the body, they can’t see it but are guided by feeling the body and their knowledge of anatomy.

However, with the advances made in ultrasound imaging over the last few decades, doctors and allied health professionals have been able to visualize the area to be injected as well as the needle by using ultrasound. Studies have shown this method to be more accurate, effective and efficacious for patients.

Pain relief from a cortisone injection varies greatly from person to person. Some people get excellent relief from one injection. The efficacy of the injection depends on the presenting problem, the severity of symptoms, the accuracy of the injection and the individual’s response to cortisone. In general, a successful injection will suppress local inflammation for between 6 weeks to 8 months.

It is possible to have more than one injection if your referring practitioner feels is an appropriate course of action. Oftentimes people get some relief from one injection but need a second to really get on top of their symptoms.

Most people can have steroid injections but you will need a referral from your doctor or Allied health professional in order to book for an appointment. You can see our GPs here if you wish.

Situations that may exclude you from receiving a cortisone injection include:

• Previous allergic reaction to steroid
• Current infection anywhere in your body
• Being pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant
• Uncontrolled diabetes or hypertension
• Taking strong anticoagulant
• Immunocompromised people
• Have recently or are about to have any vaccination.

There potential side effects after a cortisone injection. You won’t necessarily get any of these but they include

• Warm flushing of the face for a few hours
• Elevated blood sugar for a few days – important to be aware of this if you have diabetes.
• Elevated blood pressure for a few days – important to be aware of this if you have hypertension.
• You may have some pain or a small bruise at the site of injection.

There potential side effects after a co

Most people can but if you have a foot or ankle injection, we advise you to bring a driver with you to take you home, if you were able to drive to your injection appointment, you should be able to drive afterwords but you will need to wait at our clinic for 20 minutes after the injection before driving to ensure you don’t have any adverse reaction to the medication.

 

rtisone injection. You won’t necessarily get any of these but they include

• Warm flushing of the face for a few hours
• Elevated blood sugar for a few days – important to be aware of this if you have diabetes.
• Elevated blood pressure for a few days – important to be aware of this if you have hypertension.
• You may have some pain or a small bruise at the site of injection.

Cortisone takes a few days to start working so you may not feel better straight away. In order to give the medication the best chance of working for you, it’s a good idea to rest the area that was injected for at least 3 days. This does not mean you can’t use it but aim to minimize unnecessary strain such as repetitive movements, heavy lifting, excessive walking or anything is known to aggravate the area.

There is no need to completely stop using the limp or area that was injected. Just take it easy