What is a Steroid Injection?

Steroids are anti-inflammatory medicines that work to reduce swelling and irritation. Your injection typically combines:

• A strong anti-inflammatory steroid medication, and

• A local anaesthetic to provide quicker relief after the procedure.

The steroid is injected directly into the painful joint, tendon, or soft tissue. The local anaesthetic helps you feel better soon after treatment, while the steroid works to calm the underlying inflammation.

The procedure is quick and performed using strict sterile technique. Steroid injections work locally, with fewer side effects than oral tablets. They are not the same as the anabolic steroids sometimes used by athletes.

Benefits of Steroid Injections

• Provides effective relief from pain and discomfort

• Reduces swelling and inflammation

• Helps improve joint mobility and function

• Can help you get back to work and daily activities

• Often works faster and more directly than tablets or creams

• Generally well tolerated when used appropriately

Who is Steroid Injection Therapy Suitable For?

You may be recommended steroid injection therapy if you:

• Have ongoing pain from plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or tendon problems

• Have tried conservative treatments (rest, exercises, orthotics, footwear changes) without enough relief

• Have pain that interferes with work or daily life

• Need inflammation to be reduced in a specific foot or ankle structure

Conditions Commonly Treated

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)

• Hallux rigidus / hallux limitus (big toe joint arthritis)

• Osteoarthritis and inflamed joints

• Morton’s neuroma

• Sinus tarsi syndrome

• Tendonitis or tendinopathy

• Bursitis

• Midfoot arthritis or joint inflammation

• Painful scar tissue or soft tissue inflammation

Important Safety Information

A full clinical assessment is always required first. We will review your medical history to ensure the treatment is safe and suitable for you.

Steroid injections may not be suitable if you:

• Have an active infection anywhere in the body

• Feel unwell

• Are taking certain medications

Extra caution may be needed if you have poorly controlled diabetes, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or take blood-thinning medication. We will discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives with you during your assessment.

What Should I Expect at My Appointment?

At your initial assessment, we will:

• Take a full history and perform a biomechanical examination

• Discuss whether a steroid injection is the right option for you

• Explain the procedure, risks, and aftercare

• Answer any questions you have

If suitable, the injection can often be completed at a follow-up appointment. The injection itself typically takes only a few minutes. You may feel brief pressure or discomfort, which usually settles quickly.

Price

• Initial MSK Assessment: £110

• Steroid Injection Appointment: £200

• Follow-up Review: £45

How Quickly Will It Work and How Long Does Relief Last?

Many patients notice improvement within 24–48 hours, though it can sometimes take a few days to a couple of weeks. Relief may last from several weeks to several months, depending on the condition.

Steroid injections are part of a wider plan to break the pain cycle. In most cases, we recommend no more than three injections in the same area within 12 months.

Aftercare and Follow-Up

You’ll receive clear aftercare instructions, including short-term activity modification. Many patients can return to normal daily activities the next day.

A review appointment is usually scheduled 4–6 weeks after treatment.