What is a corticosteroid injection
A corticosteroid injection is an anti-inflammatory medication delivered directly into a painful joint, tendon sheath, or bursa. It reduces inflammation, swelling, and irritation in the affected area, helping to ease pain and improve movement. When placed accurately, it can provide relief within a few days and support a faster return to normal activity.
Why Corticosteroid Injections Work
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines. When injected into the exact source of pain, they can:
Reduce inflammation and swelling
Ease pain and discomfort
Improve movement and function
Help settle a flare-up of arthritis or tendon irritation
Make rehabilitation exercises easier to tolerate
Unlike tablets, the medication is delivered directly to the problem area, allowing a stronger local effect with fewer whole-body side effects.
Who Is a Corticosteroid Injection Suitable For?
These injections are often helpful for:
Arthritis flares (shoulder, knee, hip, AC joint, etc.)
Bursitis (shoulder, hip/GTPS, knee, elbow)
Tendon sheath inflammation (trigger finger, De Quervain’s)
Painful joint swelling
Frozen shoulder / adhesive capsulitis
Post-injury inflammation
Rehabilitation that is limited by pain
They are most suitable when pain is driven by inflammation, or when symptoms are preventing effective progress with physiotherapy.
Why Ultrasound Guidance Is Important
All injections are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance, which allows the needle to be placed with precision. This ensures that:
The medication reaches the exact target
Accuracy is significantly improved compared to landmark-guided injections
Sensitive structures (nerves, blood vessels, tendons) are avoided
The procedure is safer and more comfortable
The treatment effect is more reliable
Research consistently shows that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate and more effective than injections performed without imaging.