Musculoskeletal steroid injections and anaesthetic injections leaflet

What are the potential benefits?

Steroid injections can be a useful treatment for pain, swelling and stiffness within a joint or soft tissue area. The site is often injected with a corticosteroid and a local anaesthetic. The anaesthetic aims to reduce the pain initially for 30 minutes and the corticosteroid aims to reduce inflammation. It may take up to 2 weeks for the effects of the injection to start working. The response to injections varies from person to person but can last from several weeks to many months. Repeated injections may be offered if beneficial.

What are the potential risks?

Side effects of steroid injections are rare and your clinician will discuss these with you on an individual basis. 

Infection. Very rarely infection might be introduced at the time of an injection (estimated at 1 in 23,000 people). If you develop a rash or if the injection site is red, hot, swollen or painful, you must seek urgent medical attention via your GP / 111 or A&E

'Flare up'. Some people may notice an increase in their pain within the first 24 hours after an injection. This is estimated to affect about 1 in 10 people and usually settles on its own within a couple of days.

Thinning / whitening of the skin. Occasionally some thinning / dimpling / colour change may occur at the injection site. This often resolves but can be permanent.

Facial flushing. Steroid injections may sometimes cause temporary facial flushing. You should consult your GP if concerned or if this persists.

Menstrual irregularity. Steroid injections may interfere with the menstrual cycle making periods temporarily irregular. You should consult your GP if concerned or if this persists.

Mood change. Steroid injections may cause temporary changes in your mood. This may be more common in people with a previous history of mood disturbance. You should consult your GP if concerned or if this persists.

Change in diabetes control. Steroid injections may cause a temporary rise in blood glucose (sugar) levels in diabetic patients. It is recommended you check blood glucose levels more regularly and it may take 1-3 weeks for them to normalise.

Weakening of connective tissue. There is some research to suggest that steroid injections may be harmful to tendon and cartilage.

Are steroid injections suitable for everyone?

There are some health conditions which make steroid injections unsuitable or increase the potential risks. Let your clinician know if any of the following apply:

  • You are taking antibiotics

  • You are taking anti-inflammatory medication

  • You are allergic to corticosteroids or local anaesthetic or have had a previous adverse reaction to them

  • You are taking immunosuppressive medication

  • You are taking anti-epileptic / anti-seizure medication

  • You are receiving chemotherapy

  • You are taking blood thinning or anticoagulant medication

  • You have uncontrolled diabetes

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • You have had a vaccination within the last 4 weeks

  • You have a history of tuberculosis

  • You have glaucoma

  • You have osteoporosis.

 

What should I expect after my injection?

  • You will be asked to wait for 30 minutes in the clinic waiting area to make sure you feel well before leaving. Let the receptionist or your clinician know if you feel unwell

  • We advise you to avoid high-intensity activity and things that normally aggravate your symptoms for a few days after the injection

  • The injected area may be numb / bruised / sore for 1-2 days

  • We advise against using heat or heat pads over the injection site for two days following the injection. You may use a cold pack on the injection site for pain relief

  • Most people notice improvements in their pain after 2 weeks but maximum benefit may take up to 6 weeks following your injection

  • We advise you to avoid any vaccinations within 4 weeks of a steroid injection.

 

Please contact your clinician if you have any adverse reactions or if you have any further queries.

 

If you would like this information in another format, for example large print or easy read, or if you need help communicating with us:

First Community (Head Office)

Call: 01737 775450 Email:    fchc.enquiries@nhs.net    Text: 07814 639034

Address: First Community Health and Care, Caterham Dene Hospital, Church Road, Caterham, Surrey, CR3 5RA.

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For office use only: PFD_TS099 Musculoskeletal Steroid Injections and Anaesthetic Injections v1 Review Date June 2027