Physiotherapy Injection Clinic
Date issued: March 2023
Review date: March 2025
Ref: F-59/AR/Physiotherapy/Physiotherapy injection clinic v2
PDF: Physiothrapy injection clinic final March 2023 v2.pdf[pdf] 182KB
An injection of a corticosteroid and/or local anaesthetic has been discussed with you as a treatment option. The reasoning for this is to stop the inflammatory reaction causing your pain and/or lack of movement in your joint.
This injection contains a small amount of corticosteroid mixed with an anaesthetic. The anaesthetic will initially reduce the pain in the affected area. The effects of the anaesthetic often last for several hours, while the steroid is taking effect. Once the anaesthetic has worn off some patients experience an increase in pain, this is known as a steroid flare. This may continue for 3 to 4 days. If this happens then take some pain killers that you would normally take to help with the pain.
Rarely there is a chance of infection from the injection. With the presence of an infection, you would feel generally unwell (e.g., fever, sweating, headaches) with the injection site/joint becoming increasingly hot, swollen and painful. If you are concerned about any of these features following the injection, please immediately seek medical advice.
If you have diabetes, then you will have been informed that your blood sugar level may increase as a result of the steroid injection.
Often people can experience facial flushing after an injection. This is normal and will settle within 24 hours.
Sometimes women may experience an imbalance in the menstrual cycle.
Occasionally, there may be some loss of the fat and skin depigmentation can occur. This may leave you with a small permanent dimple and /or some loss in skin pigment (colour) around the injection site.
In a small minority a reaction to the injection may occur leading to anaphylaxis. This can cause swelling of the airways and difficulty with breathing. Anaphylaxis can be fatal. You are requested to remain in the department for 20 minutes after the injection so that any such reaction can be dealt with quickly and effectively.
Corticosteroids have been associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with influenza. There is also evidence that corticosteroids delay viral clearance. The potential impact of immunological suppression associated with a corticosteroid injection in individuals incubating the Covid-19 coronavirus is currently not fully understood, however, it may increase the risk of an adverse outcome from the virus.
Should you require further advice, clarification or information please discuss this with the referring physiotherapist or the physiotherapist undertaking the injection prior to the procedure.
