Steroid Injections

What Are Steriod Injections

Musculoskeletal steroid injections are a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment modality designed to alleviate pain and inflammation in specific areas of the body.

These injections involve the direct administration of a corticosteroid medication into the affected joint, muscle, tendon, or ligament.

By targeting the source of discomfort, steroid injections provide localized relief, minimizing the systemic side effects often associated with oral corticosteroids.

Knee pain

Key Benefits of Steroid Injections for Musculoskeletal Conditions:

Rapid Pain Relief

Steroid injections can significantly reduce pain in the treated area, offering swift comfort to individuals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders.

Localised Anti-Inflammatory Action

By delivering the medication directly to the site of inflammation, these injections can more effectively reduce swelling and inflammation compared to systemic treatments.

Improved Functionality

With reduced pain and inflammation, individuals can experience enhanced mobility and functionality, facilitating a return to daily activities and, in many cases, sports or exercise routines.

Targeted Treatment Approach

Unlike systemic treatments that affect the entire body, steroid injections allow for a focused treatment strategy, minimizing potential side effects.

Enhanced Efficacy when Combined with Other Therapies

When used in conjunction with physical therapy, rehabilitation exercises, or other conservative treatments, steroid injections can lead to more pronounced improvements in pain management and functional outcomes.

Diagnostic Value

In some cases, the response to a steroid injection can provide valuable diagnostic information, helping to confirm the source of pain or guide further treatment decision

Conditions Commonly Treated with Steroid Injections

  • Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, among others.
  • Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled bursae that cushion joints and reduce friction.
  • Tendonitis: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons, which connect muscles to bones.
  • Sports Injuries: Various musculoskeletal injuries sustained during athletic activities, such as sprains, strains, and overuse injuries.

Important Considerations

Consultation with our Healthcare Professional

It’s crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with our clinician to determine if steroid injections are the appropriate treatment for your specific condition

Limitations Of Steroid Injections

While generally safe, steroid injections have limitations (e.g., a recommended maximum number of injections per year)

By understanding the role and benefits of steroid injections in managing musculoskeletal conditions as part of our pain management programme, we can help you can make informed decisions about your treatment options, potentially paving the way for reduced discomfort and an improved quality of life.

Our General Practitioners

Dr James Cave

Dr James Cave (He/Him)

GP

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James is a senior general practitioner with over 30 years experience. He has a wealth of experience in all aspects of medicine including Cardiovascular disease (particularly the management of cholesterol and blood pressure), Respiratory diseases, Endocrine, ENT, Musculoskeletal and Rheumatology.

His work as Editor-in-Chief of the medical journal Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin means he has significant expertise in understanding the pros and cons of drugs and enjoys working with patients to understand what might be best for them rather than satisfying a target set elsewhere.

He has a particular interest in the care of the elderly and does offer a visiting service. He believes passionately in personal care and understands how difficult it has become for people to see their GP. Whether you have a new problem, or would like time to really talk through an ongoing issue, or just get a second opinion James will be delighted to help.

In addition to general consultations he offers soft-tissue and joint injections for such problems as frozen shoulders, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma and trigger finger.

In 2009 James was honoured with an OBE for services to medicine.

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Dr Barbara Barrie (She/Hers)

GP

Dr Barrie offers steriod injections in Knee joints only.

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Having qualified from Edinburgh University in 1989, I have worked in the NHS for 34 years, mainly as a GP Partner, but I have also had short spells employed as a Salaried GP and GP Retainer.

In addition, I have been a Macmillan GP, an Out of Hours GP working regular weekend sessions, and a GP in Palliative Medicine.
My clinical interests are Mental Health, Women’s health, and Palliative Medicine but in my day-to-day practice, I cover all aspects of primary care.

I am qualified to fit intrauterine devices (coils) for contraception, HRT, and in the management of heavy menstrual bleeding, as well as ring pessaries for management of gynaecological prolapse.

In addition, I perform steroid knee injections to help with knee pain due to arthritis.

Aside from work, I enjoy walking my 3 dogs, ski- ing, and singing in a local choir.