Wondering if a steroid injection could help your pain? Discover the top 5 joint areas where cortisone injections are most effective, how they work, and what to expect at Light Joints Physiotherapy Leeds.
When Pain Lingers and Movement Becomes Difficult
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing joint pain that just won’t settle, a steroid injection could be the turning point.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we provide ultrasound guided cortisone injections in Leeds to help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore movement so you can get back to the activities you love.
Here’s a look at the five most common joint areas we treat with cortisone injections and how to know which might be right for you.
1. Shoulder Injections for Impingement, Bursitis and Frozen Shoulder
Shoulder pain is one of the most common reasons people seek injections.
A steroid injection can target the inflamed bursa or rotator cuff tendons, helping to reduce pain and improve mobility.
Common conditions:
Shoulder impingement or bursitis
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Frozen shoulder
If you struggle to sleep on one side, reach overhead, or fasten clothing behind your back, a shoulder injection can provide meaningful relief and allow physiotherapy to work more effectively.
2. Knee Injections for Arthritis and Persistent Swelling
Knee pain can make walking, squatting, or even resting uncomfortable.
A cortisone injection can reduce inflammation inside the joint, improving comfort and allowing you to move more freely.
Common conditions:
Knee osteoarthritis
Meniscal irritation
Persistent swelling after injury
Knee injections are especially useful when exercise alone isn’t enough to control stiffness or swelling.
3. Hip Injections for Trochanteric Bursitis and Gluteal Tendinopathy
Pain on the outside of the hip, often called greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), can make lying on your side or walking uphill very uncomfortable.
An ultrasound guided injection into the trochanteric bursa can calm irritation and ease pain that radiates down the thigh.
Common conditions:
Gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy
Trochanteric bursitis
Postural or load related lateral hip pain
When combined with strengthening exercises for the glutes, hip injections can significantly improve long term outcomes.
4. Ankle and Foot Injections for Plantar Fasciitis and Tendon Pain
The ankle and foot take on significant daily stress, which can lead to persistent pain around the heel or front of the ankle.
Targeted steroid injections can calm inflammation and make walking and training comfortable again.
Common conditions:
Plantar fasciitis
Achilles insertional tendinopathy
Anterior ankle impingement
These injections are often part of a combined rehab plan that focuses on mobility, load management, and footwear support.
5. Elbow and Wrist Injections for Overuse or Tendon Irritation
Pain at the elbow or wrist is common in people who work at computers or lift regularly.
A cortisone injection can relieve inflammation around the tendons, improving grip strength and function.
Common conditions:
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Wrist tendonitis
Post injury inflammation
These injections are quick, precise, and can help restore everyday comfort for work or sport.
What to Expect During a Steroid Injection
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, every injection is delivered by a HCPC registered physiotherapist using ultrasound guidance for accuracy and safety.
Your appointment includes:
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Full assessment to confirm the cause of pain
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Real time ultrasound scan to guide the needle
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Cortisone injection using aseptic technique
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Post injection advice and a structured rehab plan
Appointments take around 30 to 45 minutes, and most people begin noticing relief within a few days.
What Happens Afterwards
You may feel a mild ache for 24 to 48 hours before the pain begins to settle.
Improvement usually appears within a week, with results lasting several weeks to months depending on the condition and activity levels.
The best outcomes happen when injections are paired with progressive physiotherapy to strengthen and stabilise the joint.
Cost and How to Book
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, our prices are clear and transparent.
1 joint injection: £150
2 injections in the same session: £250
Medication is stocked on site, so you don’t need to bring anything with you.
Available at our Bradford, Rothwell and Colton clinics.
Delivered by Daniel Thomson, Physiotherapist and Injection Specialist.
Book your steroid injection appointment online here:
https://www.lightjointsphysio.co.uk
When an Injection Might Not Be Needed
If your pain is mild, intermittent, or improving with rehab, an injection may not be necessary.
Your physiotherapist will always discuss other effective options such as:
Strength and conditioning
Load management and recovery planning
Manual therapy
Our goal is to provide long term results, not quick fixes.
Ready to Find the Right Option for You?
If ongoing joint pain is limiting your daily life or training, a targeted steroid injection may help you turn the corner.
Book an assessment with one of our physiotherapists today and discover the best treatment approach for you.
Call or book online at
https://www.lightjointsphysio.co.uk