5 Common Areas for Cortisone Injections in Leeds & Bradford
Cortisone injections can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in selected joint and musculoskeletal conditions. Learn about five common areas treated with corticosteroid injections, when an injection may be appropriate, what happens during treatment and how to book in Leeds or Bradford.
If persistent joint pain is affecting your sleep, work, exercise or everyday activities, you may be wondering whether a cortisone or steroid injection could help.
Corticosteroid injections are not suitable for every type of pain, and the right treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis. A clinical assessment is therefore important before deciding whether an injection is appropriate.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we provide private joint and tendon injection services from clinics in Leeds and Bradford. Where clinically appropriate, ultrasound can be used to assess the area and guide the injection.
What areas can have a cortisone injection?
Corticosteroid injections can be considered for a number of joints and musculoskeletal conditions.
Five common areas include:
- Shoulder
- Knee
- Hip
- Foot and ankle
- Elbow and wrist
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However, the fact that an injection can be performed in an area does not automatically mean it is the right treatment for a particular condition.
The diagnosis, symptoms, previous treatment and individual circumstances all need to be considered.
1. Shoulder Cortisone Injections
Shoulder pain is a common reason people seek corticosteroid injections.
Depending on the diagnosis, an injection may be considered for conditions involving inflammation around the shoulder, including some cases of subacromial pain, bursitis and frozen shoulder.
Shoulder pain can make everyday activities difficult, including:
- Reaching overhead
- Putting on a coat
- Reaching behind your back
- Sleeping on the affected side
- Lifting or carrying objects
- Exercising
Conditions that may be considered for injection
- Shoulder bursitis
- Subacromial pain
- Frozen shoulder
- Some inflammatory shoulder conditions
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The precise location of the injection depends on the diagnosis.
For some people, reducing pain can make it easier to participate in an appropriate physiotherapy and exercise programme.
Find out whether a shoulder injection may be appropriate for your symptoms during a clinical assessment.
2. Knee Cortisone Injections
Knee pain can affect walking, stairs, exercise, work and everyday activities.
A corticosteroid injection may be considered for some people with knee osteoarthritis or inflammatory joint pain, particularly when symptoms are significantly affecting function.
Possible symptoms include:
- Knee pain when walking
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Difficulty using stairs
- Pain during exercise
- Reduced ability to bend or straighten the knee
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An injection may provide temporary pain relief and can sometimes make it easier to continue with strengthening and rehabilitation.
Common knee conditions
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory knee pain
- Some causes of persistent knee swelling
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Not all knee pain requires an injection. For example, some meniscal or ligament problems may require a different management approach.
A clinical assessment can help determine what is causing your knee pain and which treatments are appropriate.
3. Hip Injections
Hip injections can be considered for selected causes of hip and lateral hip pain.
One common condition is greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which can cause pain over the outside of the hip.
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain when lying on your side
- Pain walking or running
- Discomfort going up stairs
- Pain during prolonged standing
- Pain around the outside of the hip
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GTPS can involve the tendons around the hip as well as the tissues around the greater trochanter.
Conditions that may be considered for injection
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
- Trochanteric bursitis
- Some inflammatory conditions affecting the hip region
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The correct treatment depends on the underlying cause.
For tendon-related conditions, progressive strengthening and load management are often important parts of treatment, and a steroid injection is not automatically appropriate.
4. Foot and Ankle Injections
The foot and ankle carry substantial loads every day, so persistent pain can have a major impact on walking, work, exercise and sport.
Depending on the diagnosis, corticosteroid injections may sometimes be considered for selected inflammatory joint or soft-tissue conditions affecting the foot or ankle.
Potential symptoms include:
- Heel pain
- Joint pain
- Ankle stiffness
- Pain during walking
- Pain during running or sport
Conditions that may be assessed
- Selected ankle joint conditions
- Some inflammatory foot conditions
- Certain causes of localised foot pain
What about plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain?
This is an important distinction.
Steroid injections are not automatically appropriate for plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy.
For tendon-related problems, treatment often focuses on progressive loading, strengthening, activity modification and rehabilitation. Corticosteroid injections around some tendons may carry additional risks, so your clinician should assess the diagnosis and discuss the benefits and potential risks before recommending injection treatment.
This is why an assessment is particularly important for persistent heel, foot or Achilles pain.
5. Elbow and Wrist Injections
Elbow and wrist pain can develop through a combination of repetitive activity, loading, injury and underlying joint or tendon problems.
Symptoms may affect:
- Grip strength
- Lifting
- Typing
- Manual work
- Sport
- Everyday hand use
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Depending on the diagnosis, an injection may sometimes be considered for selected inflammatory joint or soft-tissue conditions.
Common problems assessed at the elbow and wrist include:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Wrist pain
- Some inflammatory joint conditions
- Some post-injury problems
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However, not every tendon problem benefits from a steroid injection. A proper diagnosis is important before treatment is considered.
Which joint injection is right for you?
There isn’t one injection that is best for everyone.
The most appropriate treatment depends on:
- Your diagnosis
- Where your pain is located
- How long you have had symptoms
- How severe your symptoms are
- What treatments you have already tried
- Your medical history
- Whether inflammation is contributing to your symptoms
- The potential benefits and risks of injection treatment
For some people, physiotherapy and exercise may be the best option.
For others, an injection may be considered as part of a wider treatment plan.
The purpose of an assessment is not to sell you an injection. It is to establish whether an injection is appropriate and explain your options.
What happens during a cortisone injection appointment?
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, your appointment begins with a clinical assessment.
1. Assessment
We discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment and what you want to achieve.
The affected area is then assessed to help establish whether an injection is appropriate.
2. Ultrasound assessment
Where clinically appropriate, ultrasound can be used to visualise relevant structures.
3. Ultrasound-guided injection
If an injection is recommended and you choose to proceed, the procedure is performed using appropriate sterile/aseptic technique.
Ultrasound guidance can allow the clinician to visualise the target area during the procedure.
4. Aftercare
You’ll receive advice about activity, exercise and rehabilitation following your injection.
The advice depends on the area treated and your individual circumstances.
How quickly does a cortisone injection work?
Corticosteroid injections generally take a few days to start working, although the timing varies.
If local anaesthetic is used, you may experience temporary pain relief sooner.
Some people experience a temporary increase in pain after an injection before the steroid begins to take effect. This is sometimes referred to as a steroid flare.
If the injection is effective, pain and movement may improve over the following days and weeks.
How long does a cortisone injection last?
The duration of pain relief varies between individuals and conditions.
For many people, corticosteroid injections can provide relief for several weeks to a few months, although some people experience shorter or longer periods of improvement.
The duration can depend on:
- The condition being treated
- The area injected
- The severity of the problem
- The medication used
- Your individual response
- Your activity levels and rehabilitation
A cortisone injection should therefore not be viewed as a guaranteed permanent solution.
For a more detailed explanation:
Read: How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?
Can you have a steroid injection and physiotherapy?
Yes. In appropriate cases, the two treatments can form part of the same overall treatment plan.
An injection may reduce pain sufficiently to allow you to move more comfortably and participate in rehabilitation.
Physiotherapy can then focus on factors such as:
- Strength
- Mobility
- Load management
- Movement control
- Gradual return to activity
- Exercise and conditioning
The aim is to improve your function rather than simply provide temporary pain relief.
Are cortisone injections safe?
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used treatments, but no medical procedure is completely risk-free.
Possible side effects include:
- Temporary soreness
- A temporary increase in pain
- Bruising or bleeding
- Skin or soft-tissue changes
- Changes in skin pigmentation
- Temporary increases in blood glucose in people with diabetes
More serious complications, including infection or an allergic reaction, are uncommon but possible.
Your clinician should discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives before treatment.
If you have relevant medical conditions, allergies, take regular medication or have an infection, make sure you tell your clinician before the procedure.
What should you do after a joint injection?
Your clinician will give you specific aftercare advice based on the area treated and your condition.
You may be advised to temporarily reduce strenuous activity before gradually returning to normal movement and exercise.
If your pain improves, don’t immediately use that improvement to dramatically increase your activity.
Instead, use the reduction in symptoms as an opportunity to gradually rebuild strength, movement and function.
How much do cortisone injections cost in Leeds and Bradford?
Corticosteroid Injection
£195
- Specialist Clinical Assessment Inc. Ultrasound Scan
- Clear Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
- Landmark Corticosteroid Injection if Appropriate
- Rehabilitation & Aftercare
Price includes £95 assessment fee
Two Corticosteroid Injections
£295
- Specialist Clinical Assessment Inc. Ultrasound Scan
- Clear Diagnosis & Treatment Plan
- Two landmark injections in the Same Appointment
- Rehabilitation & Aftercare
Price includes £95 assessment fee
Joint injections in Leeds
Leeds – Colton
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
5b Stile Hill Way
Colton
Leeds
LS15 9JB
Visit our Colton physiotherapy clinic
Leeds – Rothwell
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
75 Commercial Street
Rothwell
Leeds
LS26 0QD
Joint injections in Bradford
Our Bradford clinic is located in Greengates, near Apperley Bridge.
Bradford – Greengates
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
800 Harrogate Road
Apperley Bridge
Bradford
BD10 0QS
Visit our Bradford physiotherapy clinic
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common areas for cortisone injections?
Common areas include the shoulder, knee, hip, foot and ankle, elbow and wrist. Whether an injection is appropriate depends on the specific diagnosis rather than simply the location of the pain.
Can you have a cortisone injection in your shoulder?
Yes. Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected shoulder conditions, including some cases of bursitis, subacromial pain and frozen shoulder.
Can you have a cortisone injection in your knee?
Yes. Corticosteroid injections may be considered for some causes of knee pain, including osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint pain.
Can you have a cortisone injection in your hip?
Yes, but the appropriate injection depends on the cause of the hip pain. Selected cases of greater trochanteric pain syndrome and other inflammatory conditions may be considered.
Can you have a steroid injection for foot or ankle pain?
Sometimes. The suitability of an injection depends on the diagnosis. Steroid injections are not automatically appropriate for conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy or plantar fasciitis.
Can you have a steroid injection for tennis elbow?
A corticosteroid injection may be considered in selected circumstances, but tendon-related elbow pain requires careful assessment. Other treatments, particularly rehabilitation and load management, may be more appropriate.
Do steroid injections work immediately?
Not necessarily. The corticosteroid component commonly takes a few days to start working. Local anaesthetic, when used, can provide temporary relief sooner.
How long do steroid injections last?
Pain relief can last several weeks to a few months, although the duration varies between people and conditions.
Are steroid injections a permanent cure?
Usually not. An injection may reduce pain and inflammation temporarily. Rehabilitation may then help address strength, movement and function.
How much does a cortisone injection cost in Leeds?
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, one corticosteroid injection currently costs £150, while two injections in the same appointment cost £250.
Where can I get a cortisone injection in Leeds?
Light Joints Physiotherapy provides private injection services from clinics in Colton and Rothwell, Leeds, subject to clinical assessment and availability.