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Steroid Injections
for Joints

Safe, effective chronic pain management for your joint health.

Struggling with chronic joint pain or spinal pain? Steroid injections offer safe, effective pain management and relief. Our expert team uses precise techniques to target inflammation and persistent pain – and get you back to moving freely. Learn more and schedule a consultation today.

Why Might I Need a Joint Injection?

Joint pain can be caused by various factors, including wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis), inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid arthritis), injuries (sprains, strains), and gout. While conservative treatments like physiotherapy, heat/cold therapy, and topical creams are usually the first line of defence, steroid injections can offer relief when these methods fall short, and are especially effective in cases of chronic pain (persistent pain).

What are the Benefits of Steroid Injections for Chronic Pain in Joints or the Spine?

Steroid injections are a safe, widely-used treatment for lasting pain relief from chronic joint or spine conditions. Here are some of the most notable benefits.

  • Pain management: Steroid injections effectively reduce pain caused by inflammation in the joint, helping to manage chronic pain.
  • Improved mobility: With reduced pain and inflammation, patients experience better joint mobility and function, improving independence, comfort, and quality of life.
  • Faster recovery: Steroid injections for pain management after a trauma to a joint can reduce pain and accelerate the healing process after an injury.
  • Non-surgical: This minimally invasive procedure avoids the risks associated with surgery.
Intra-Articular Injections

How Does a Joint Injection Work?

Steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid) directly to the inflamed joint to reduce pain. The injection also contains a local anaesthetic to numb the area for immediate pain relief, lasting around a day or two. The steroid takes longer to work but provides sustained relief from chronic pain by reducing inflammation.

Our team uses fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging) to ensure precise injection placement, maximising effectiveness and minimising risks. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, requiring only a local anaesthetic at the injection site and a light sedative for comfort.

What Types of Joint or Spine Pain Injections Are Available?

Vein Doctors Sydney offers a variety of joint injections to target specific areas, nerve pain, and conditions:

  • AC (acromioclavicular) joint injection: Treats arthritis in the shoulder joint.
  • Bursa injection: Addresses inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints).
  • Glenohumeral (GH) joint injection: Targets the primary shoulder joint.
  • Intra-articular hip and knee injections: Provides relief from arthritis and injuries like meniscus tears (knee) or labral tears (hip).
  • Sacroiliac (SI) joint injection: Eases pain in the lower back caused by SI joint dysfunction.
  • Facet joint injections: Treat pain in the facet joints of the spine.

In addition to these therapeutic injections, we also perform diagnostic nerve blocks using local anaesthetics. For instance, a genicular nerve block can help pinpoint the source of knee pain and determine if interventions like radiofrequency ablation are a suitable treatment option.

Pain Management Plan

Spine and Joint Chronic Pain Treatment at Vein Doctors Sydney

During your consultation, our doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, the pain medicine you are using, and any previous treatments you’ve received. They will also perform a physical examination to assess the affected joint.

X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs may be recommended to visualise the joint and confirm the diagnosis.

  • You will be positioned comfortably on an examination table.
  • The injection site will be cleaned and sterilised.
  • A local anaesthetic will be administered to numb the area.
  • Using fluoroscopy for precise guidance, your health professional will inject the corticosteroid medication into the inflamed joint.
  • The entire procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes.
  • You may experience some mild discomfort or soreness at the injection site for a day or two. This can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours after the injection.

The duration of pain relief from a steroid injection varies depending on the severity of your condition and the specific joint treated. In some cases, the effects can last for weeks or even months. However, it’s important to note that steroid injections are not a cure for joint pain. They are intended to provide temporary relief and improve your ability to participate in physical therapy exercises that can strengthen the joint, help prevent future problems, and reduce risks of pain flare ups.

Wondering if Joint Injections can Help You?
Book a Consultation to Find Out

Effective Joint Pain Management for Chronic Pain from Vein Doctors Sydney

Steroid injections can be a valuable tool for managing chronic pain and inflammation in your joints. If you’ve tried conservative treatments and pain medicine to manage pain without success and still experience chronic pain in your joints, consult a doctor at Vein Doctors Sydney to see if steroid injections might be right for you. With us, patient care comes first! 

Our Expert Doctor

Dr Ryan McConnell

BMBS, FRANZCR, CCINR
MED0001793938                                                                   

Dr McConnell is an Australian-trained Interventional Neuroradiologist, possessing extensive experience in less invasive procedures.

His medical education began at Flinders University, where he earned a Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery.

He completed specialty training in Radiology at Royal North Shore Hospital, followed by a Fellowship in Interventional Radiology and a two-year Fellowship in Neurointervention, for which he was awarded CCINR accreditation.

Dr McConnell holds a consultant visiting medical officer positions at Northern Beaches Hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Nepean Private Hospital. He remains actively involved in medical student/registrar teaching and research.                               

Dr. Ryan McConnell

How to schedule a consultation

For more information on our services and the cost of each service, or to schedule a consultation at our clinic, please contact us at one of the following:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Steroid injections for chronic pain in your spine or joints are generally safe and well-tolerated when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects. These are typically mild and temporary, such as slight pain at the injection site or temporary flushing. It’s important to discuss any potential risks and benefits with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.

The number of steroid injections you can receive depends on the specific joint being treated and the severity of your pain or medical condition. Generally, doctors will limit the number of injections to minimise potential side effects while managing pain effectively. Discuss a safe and effective chronic pain relief treatment plan with your doctor.

 

Steroid injections are not addictive. Corticosteroids help with managing pain but do not produce the same dependence-forming effects as some pain medicine like opioid medicines.

There are several alternatives to steroid injections for chronic pain in your joints or spine, many of which are used alongside steroid injections as well. These pain management recommendations include:

●      Physical therapy

Physical therapies are exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility, which can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve joint function.

● Over-the-counter pain relievers

Pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage mild to moderate pain for certain medical conditions, including acute pain and chronic pain.

● Topical pain relief creams

Creams containing anti-inflammatory medications can reduce inflammation and provide localised pain relief for certain medical conditions, including acute pain and chronic pain.

● Lifestyle changes

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, stress management, using relaxation techniques like meditation, and getting regular exercise can all contribute to joint health and chronic pain management.

 

Steroid injections are not a cure for spine or joint pain. They are intended to provide temporary relief from acute pain, chronic pain and inflammation, and improve your ability to participate in other treatments like physical therapy. These other treatments can help address the underlying cause of your chronic pain and prevent future flare-ups.

The cost of a steroid injection can vary depending on your geographic location, the specific joint being treated, and your insurance coverage. Our clinic offers a consultation fee of $280, with potential rebates available through Medicare and GP referrals. Contact our office to discuss specific costs and explore payment options.