Steroid Injections

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or cortisone, are potent anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. They are used for short-term symptom relief and are part of a broader arthritis management plan, which may include other medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Some conditions which they can help are:

Inflammatory joint conditions: such as various forms of arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis.
Allergic reactions: Severe allergies or asthma.
Skin conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.
Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Respiratory conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How do corticosteroid injections work?

Corticosteroid injections are medical treatments that involve the direct injection of corticosteroid medications into a specific area of the body to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. When injected into a specific area of the body, these synthetic hormones inhibit the release of inflammatory substances like cytokines, that contribute to the pain, swelling, and joint damage in arthritis.

How long do corticosteroid injections last?

The effectiveness of corticosteroids can vary significantly depending on your physiology and the joint or tissue into which it is injected.

For example, for knees, the effectiveness can often be longer lasting as there is more anatomical ‘space’ between joint surfaces and more synovial fluid in which the injection cocktail can mix with and take effect. However, in hips, it is more difficult to accurately inject directly into the joint space, and there is less synovial fluid present in the joint space, so the pain relieving affect of injections can last as little as 6-8 weeks.

More recent research and anecdotal data as also finding that the number of people corticosteroid injections help for longer than 3 months is less than 50%.

Are corticosteroid injections safe?

Corticosteroid injections are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional.

However, they are not without their potential risks such as, pain at the injection site, temporary flare-ups of inflammation and risk of infection.

Moreover, repeated corticosteroid injections have the potential to be chondrotoxic, which means they can have detrimental effects on cartilage in joints. The extent of chondrotoxicity can vary depending on factors like the type and dose of corticosteroid used, the frequency of injections, and the specific joint being treated.

Chews Health’s Top Tip

While injections can be a significant aid in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, they should not be used in isolation and should always be part of a bigger picture of treatment which is aiming to help rehabilitate or condition the affected joint or tissue where possible. Always make sure you have received a thorough assessment from a trustworthy and licensed health care professional.

    
 
 
        
   Melanie Clarke 
 2023-02-22
 
 
  We’ll be forever grateful to Chews, the guys are the absolute BEST IN CLASS when it comes to a fully tailored recovery plan.
Our son is a young elite competitive acrobatic gymnast who sadly had a high impact fall at gymnastics dislocating and fracturing his elbow and needed surgery, for a gymnast that trains many hours over 4 days week it was devastating blow, especially with GB competitions coming up. Once out of cast (wk 4 post opp) we started 2 x weekly physio sessions with Richard Saxton (who specialises in child’s physio), he was thorough, diligent and his amazing assessments fully supported the coaches at our sons gym to help build a safe recovery plan. The sessions with Richard and Sanford were fun, engaging and they took great care to help improve full mobility and strength. At week 7 post op our son was doing skills we thought would have taken 4mths to achieve, by week 10 he was back to full impact training, even our hospital follow up with the senior elbow consultant was blown away by the physio support we’d had and the rapid recovery. If it wasn’t for Chews we 100% would not be back training this quickly and not have had the reassurances it was safe to do so…..we’ve definitely found a physio for life.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Team Chews. From Mel & JJ x x
  
 
       
   Ruth Shearn 
 2023-02-21
 
 
  Have waited a few months post-treatment to write a review - just to be certain!  Quite simply, I can't recommend these guys highly enough. I went to them with two badly damaged knees (miniscus tears).  Having had three arthroscopes over the years, I was completely resigned to needing surgical intervention again. The Chews team had different ideas. After showing me the latest research findings, they assured me my knees could be rehabilitated without a scalpel.  I had just a handful of sessions with them and am delighted to report that, six months on, my knees are great!  I'm running 5k twice a week (don't laugh, I loathe running and am no spring chicken) without any pain and have taken up tennis. Everyone at Chews is passionate about their subject, knowledgeable, reassuring and friendly. I wouldn't go anywhere else.
  
 
       
   Dave Stuart 
 2023-02-06
 
 
  I have had a chronic back condition to varying degrees for many years which more recently has forced me to have weeks off work at a time. I was recommended Chews Health by a colleague having tried other physios in the past. However, I always felt that something was missing from the plan. My back muscles would on occasion go into spasm, or my disk to impinge on my nerve, affecting my mobility and effectively setting me back to square one. I came to Chews health a bit wary  and was considering surgery due to how much my back was affecting my quality of life and mental health.  It has not been a straight forward recovery, but i have made significant progress through having a thorough history taken, my ongoing concerns listened to, and being provided with a clear explanation of not only the exercise plan but additionally explaining why my body was responding in varying ways. This has educated about my condition and provided me with the tools to self manage my condition more effectively should it deteriorate again.. It has not been plain sailing, but I have absolute faith in Jack and his team.
  
 
       
   lobo 
 2023-01-09
 
 
  I had to attend Chews Health for help with pain in my elbow and they have been a fantastic help.  I am now back to 100%.
  
 
       
   The S 
 2023-01-05
 
 
  I can thoroughly recommend Chews Health physio. Sessions from diagnosis to rehabilitation are stimulating as well as therapeutic. Jack’s holistic, insightful approach goes beyond fixing the initial problem - he builds the confidence and self-knowledge to help maintain fitness and avoid strains and niggling injuries in the future. His message that the body needs exposure to regular challenges has inspired my journey towards optimum health.
  
 
       
   Sam Butler 
 2022-12-21
 
 
  Excellent physiotherapy. After ACL and meniscus surgery I contacted Chews Health to find out about how they could help me feel more confident about returning to more intense sport after my injury. I felt listened to and we worked on a series of different of exercises that tested my knee. Very helpful and I now feel much more confident in my abilities.
  
 
       
   feralie Bennett 
 2022-11-23
 
 
  I saw Richard Saxton for a chronic pain in my achillies.
2 visits, with massage and exercises: clear concise instruction, both written and verbal to do at home were realistic & adapted for my ability - I now no longer require pain relief & can walk the dogs pain free & even manage a few hills.  A follow up call to review my progress was also appreciated.
The clinic was clean & well equipped. Would highly recommend.
  
 
       
   Philip Conroy 
 2022-11-16
 
 
  When I had severe back pain I was seen within 24 hours. The problem was resolved after 3 weeks of physiotherapy and exercises. I subsequently took up the annual gym membership package which includes regular reviews by the Physiotherapists. I feel this has benefitted me greatly as I had no previous experience of gyms and ensured I was using the equipment in the correct manner.
At all times the staff have been very friendly and professional.
  
 
       
   Maureen Morris 
 2022-11-10
 
 
  Helped me tremendously. Lovely people - everyone very very supportive.
  
 
       
   Cecilia Wright 
 2022-10-31
 
 
  I had been suffering from plantar fasciitis for some months and went Chews Health in the summer for shockwave treatment, after my podiatrist said she had heard good reports about it. Until then I had been resting, exercising it, icing it, using insoles etc., none of which had made much difference. I booked six treatments at the start (recommended) and by the time of the last treatment It was hardly noticeable, so much better! I’ve had two further treatments over the last month, just to be on the safe side, and I’m doing some exercises now to build up the strength in my calf and foot. Chews Health comes with heartfelt recommendations from me, they are friendly, very knowledgeable and best of all - they have fixed my sore foot!
  
 
  
  
 
 
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Steroid Injections