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Joint injection Questions

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Q.What is a Steroid Injection?

Steroid injections have been used for many years as a quick and effective treatment for soft tissue conditions, joint pain and inflammation throughout the body. They are introduced to the dysfunctional or painful area/joint via an injection and work by reducing inflammation.

Q.What will be injected?

We will inject the affected joint or soft tissue with a small volume of steroid, this should help reduce inflammation locally. Sometimes this will be alongside a local anaesthetic that acts as a painkiller and may provide immediate temporary pain relief.

Q. How long do the affects last?

Steroid injections usually last for up to 3 months, sometimes longer however every patient is different. Steroid injections can promote an anti-inflammatory response which will help to reduce pain and swelling allowing you to focus on your rehabilitation exercises.

Q.Risks and Side Effects of steroid injections

Most people have steroid injections without any side effects. It is normal to experience slight discomfort and pressure during the time of the injection. Post injection pain within the first 24 hours can occasionally occur. This usually settles by itself within a few days, however taking painkillers such as paracetamol may help. There is a risk of infection at the site of the injection or in the joint. With steroid injections there is a small risk of thinning or colour changes locally in the skin at the injection site. The steroid dose is very low therefore normal side effects of steroid tablets are very rare. However, it is important not to overuse injections and it is advised not to have more than 3 per year.

Q.What are they recommended for?

Steroid injections are often recommended for people with painful conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis. The injections are used to reduce inflammation and can also reduce joint swelling and pain which will aid mobility and function of the joint and surrounding soft tissues.

Q.How quickly does it take to feel a reduction in symptoms?

Local anaesthetics can reduce your pain within a few minutes of the injection. The steroid affect will take slightly longer to occur, usually 1-2 days to a week. Within this time, you can continue to manage your pain through gentle movement, analgesia, ice or heat packs. It is advised that you take a few days of relative rest from vigorous or excessive exercise/stress of the joint/area affected after the injection.

Q.How do I have a steroid injection?

A clinical specialist will complete a full assessment to conclude whether an injection is the appropriate treatment for your symptoms. As the patient you will be advised of the risk factors and be provided the appropriate advice to make an informed decision. Most injections are quick and easy to perform within clinic and are utilised alongside an individually tailored client assessment and rehabilitation programme to enable the most effective recovery.

Q.What is Ostenil®?

Ostenil® is a treatment for the symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can be used in the knee, or in any of the other joints in the body that are classified as 'synovial'. Despite supporting scientific evidence it is not commonly used within the NHS but has been used privately and within sports medicine for many years with great effect.

Q.What can I expect if I decide to have treatment with Ostenil®?

If you decide to have treatment with Ostenil®, it will be injected directly into the joint affected by osteoarthritis. This will be done once a week for 3 weeks until you have had 3 injections. You will probably not notice any benefits immediately after the first injection, but you should gradually start to feel less pain and stiffness over the next few weeks. The improvement in your symptoms should last for several months, depending partly on the number of injections you have. You can expect the benefit from three injections to persist for up to 9 months.

Once the effects of the first course of injections wear off, you can, if you choose, have another. After that, you can continue to have new courses of injections whenever necessary.

Q.What treatment options are available?

Ostenil can be administered at KentesPhysio in 2 different preparations

  • Ostenil (standard)
  • Ostenil Plus
  • Q.How does it work?

    Ostenil® is a solution containing hyaluronic acid. It is injected into the space in the joint that contains synovial fluid and works by restoring the normal balance between the breakdown and production of hyaluronic acid. This effect of Ostenil® means that it can decrease pain and stiffness and improve the other symptoms of osteoarthritis.

    Q.Are there any side effects?

    The hyaluronic acid in Ostenil® is very pure and is manufactured using a process called fermentation. It contains no animal proteins, which means that it is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Ostenil® has been given to thousands of patients and has not been found to cause any serious side effects.

    Joint Injection service will only be available at the Pharmacy below:

    Howells and Harrison Pharmacy,
    131-133 The Broadway, Thorpe Bay, Southend-on-Sea SS1 3EX

    07505307769

    For more info please see their website

    Download our PDF guide for more info on Ostenil