Steroid Injections
Steroid injections (also known as cortisone injections) are a common and incredibly useful tool in reducing pain, aching, throbbing, swelling and inflammation in the foot and ankle.
They work by delivering medicine into or near the painful area or joint and they are an important first stage treatment for many painful conditions before surgery is considered.
What Type of Foot Conditions Can Steroid Injections Treat?
Many painful foot conditions can benefit from steroid (cortisone) injections. For example, 80% of patients with a Morton’s Neuroma are significantly improved with conservative treatment, including steroid (cortisone) injections.
Other foot conditions that can be improved with steroid (cortisone) injections are:
- Joint pain and arthritis
- Neuroma
- Tendonitis
- Capsulitis
- Bursitis
- Heel pain (including plantar fasciitis)
- Plantar fibromatosis
- Ganglions
How Do Steroid Injections Work to Treat Foot Pain?
Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a steroid produced by the body’s adrenal glands. It is made into a preparation which keeps it mostly in the area that it has been injected, rather than spreading around the body.
The main reason for injecting cortisone at the site of foot pain and inflammation is that there are fewer side effects to the whole body, as opposed to taking oral steroids.
When we inject a strong concentration of cortisone directly at the site of the pain the results are more effective. Cortisone, like all steroids, is a very powerful agent for reducing inflammation and by reducing inflammation we can reduce pain, redness, and swelling.
The steroid injections are also long-acting, which means relief from symptoms may take several days to work but may last for several months. The local anesthetic mixed with the cortisone also helps to provide some pain relief for the first few hours.
Injections can be given by Mr. Kannegieter in the clinic, but they can also be arranged under ultrasound or X-ray guidance if required.
Are There Any Risks or Side-Effects From Steroid Injections?
As with any medical procedure, there are risks which Mr. Kannegieter will always thoroughly explain to you prior to your treatment, so you can be informed every step of the way.
The main risks for steroid (cortisone) injections are:
• Pain
• Swelling
• Steroid flare
• Infection
• Dimpling of the skin
• Failure to work
As well as steroid (cortisone) injections Mr. Kannegieter can offer patients who present with foot and ankle pain Durolane and PRP injections. Find out more by clicking the below links.
Durolane Injections
PRP Injections
