Injection Clinic
Here at Physiotherapy Room Holmfirth, we offer joint injections including Cortisone & Hyaluronic Acid. We can also provide aspirations of a swollen joint most typically the knee join post-injury or due to an arthritic flare up to provide relief and remove fluid build up.
Conditions which can generally be helped with injections include Osteoarthritis (wear and tear joint degeneration), Rheumatoid Arthritis, Bursitis, Frozen Shoulder, Trigger finger, Carpal Tunnel, Tendinitis and Gout.
Our injections are carried out by our specialist Injection Therapist Kristian Thackray.
Procedure
The procedure for our injections are as follows:
- Depending on the area to be injected the patient will adopt a specific position to make the injection as comfortable as possible
- The area to be injected is marked
- The area to be injected is then cleaned with a sterile anti septic solution to reduce the risk of infection following the injection
- Sometimes but not regularly a Local Anaesthetic is administered to the area to numb the area and make the injection relatively comfortable and as pain free as possible
- The injection is carried out on the area you will feel a sharp scratch and a pressure sensation as the fluid is injected
- A plaster is applied
- You will spend 15 minutes in the clinic before leaving to be monitored for any adverse effects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a steroid injection?
In the UK, cortisone injections are available under several brand names. We currently use Kenalog which Contains the active ingredient Triamcinolone Acetonide.
Cortisone injections can offer quick relief from pain and inflammation, helping patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
What is a hyaluronic acid injection?
What is a joint Aspiration?
How do I know which to choose between hyaluronic acid and steroid?
Hyaluronic acid is particularly beneficial for patients with osteoarthritis who experience little to no inflammation (swelling). Ideal candidates typically include:
– **Active Individuals**: Those aged 40-50 who participate in regular sports or exercise and wish to maintain their activity levels (e.g., running or long-distance walking).
– **Minimal Swelling**: Patients with joint pain but no significant effusion may benefit most from this treatment.
– **Steroid Alternatives**: Hyaluronic acid serves as a suitable option for individuals allergic to steroids or those advised against steroid use for medical reasons.
Do injections Work Straight Away
How long do the effects Last
Will I cause any harm to my body by having a steroid injection before my holiday?
Are there any side effects or risks?
Common side effects:
- Soreness for a few hours or days.
- Temporary flare-up of symptoms.
- Facial flushing (1 in 20 people).
- Bruising/bleeding, especially if you take blood thinners.
Rare side effects:
- Infection (seek urgent medical attention if the area becomes red, hot, swollen, and painful).
- Allergic reaction (very rare, but a medical emergency).
- Joint damage (usually only with frequent, high-dose injections).
- Skin dimpling or color change at the injection site.
- Tendon injury (rare, reduced by resting after the injection).
- Nerve injury (rare).
Other things to keep in mind:
- Steroid injections can raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
- Large doses of steroids may cause menstrual changes in some women.
- The injection might not work, or its effects might wear off.
- If the injection doesn’t work, you can’t have surgery on that joint for several months.
Do I need to do anything after my injection ?
- Relative rest after the injection
- Check where you had the injection from time to time – if there are signs of significant infection you need to go to A&E straight away. The place of injection would look hot, red, swollen and you may feel unwell or have severe pain at the injection site. If you are unsure about minor signs and you are well, then contact us.
- You can continue to take normal painkillers if you think you require these (what you know you can normally take)
- You will be asked to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes following the injection to allow observation of possible adverse reactions.
Can I Drive Afterwards?
Yes, but we ask for you to remain in the department for 15 minutes following your injection to make sure you have no immediate side-effects before you leave.
Further Information
For further information visit https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroid-injections/