Ultrasound-Guided Injections.
HOW LONG DOES AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED INJECTION TAKE?
This will vary depending on the area and other factors. An assessment, scan & ultrasound guided injections will generally take around 60 minutes. Ultrasound-guided injection alone is in a few seconds. Injection carried out in few seconds.
ARE ULTRASOUND-GUIDED INJECTIONS PAINFUL?
Discomfort from the needle insertion is small. By using the local anaesthetic using a very fine small needle. We treat complex patients and patients with needle phobia. Pain at the injection site is manageable.
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED CORTISONE / STEROID / CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION?
Cortisone injection is also known as Corticosteroid injection or steroid injection. This is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. It’s used for many inflammatory and arthritis conditions. To control pain, swelling, stiffness, and improve function. Corticosteroid injections are NOT the same used by bodybuilders use. Corticosteroid injections do not cause weight gain. To find out more please visit our steroid injections page.
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED HYALURONIC ACID (HA) INJECTION?
HA injection is also known as Gel injection or Lubricant injection. This viscosupplementation injection is a natural component of synovial fluid. This tends to increase joint fluid viscosity and restores joint lubrication. Hence, acts as a shock absorber to control the joint /tendon symptoms. Limits the further damage to the joint and delays or avoids the need for the surgery. Also, helps to enjoy your daily activities or your preferred hobbies.
These injections are very popular, especially for knee joint pain. Usually, a course of 3 Injections preferred. Though some may do well with an injection per year.
WHAT IS AN ULTRASOUND-GUIDED PRP INJECTION?
Platelet Rich Plasma. (PRP) injections are rich in growth factors ( helps in repairing the cell and its growth). And prepared from the patient’s own blood. Separated growth factors. From the patient’s blood injected back into the affected area of the same patient. Due to PRP’s ability to heal and even regenerate. Injured or aging tendons, ligaments, and joints benefit. Providing some patients with an alternative to surgery. PRP therapy may reduce the required healing time for the injuries. Especially for sports injuries and early Arthritis. Otherwise, athletes/sports professionals may need longer periods of rest. From their sports-related activities. To read more please visit our PRP page.
Always, consider having the PRP injections under ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
CAN I DRIVE AFTER AN INJECTION?
You will not be able to drive immediately after the procedure. Bring someone with you Or use another form of transport to return home. This is due to your driving licence policy, rather than injection efficacy. Some of the motor insurance policies will not allow you to drive. For 3-5 hours after the injection with Local Anesthesia.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER AN INJECTION?
After the injection, you may feel pain-free for a couple of hours due to Local anaesthetic. But, pain returns after 2 hours, you may even feel more pain for a couple of days due to bruising pain. Usually, you should start feeling better from the third day onwards. Pain relief from the steroid injection may take 1 to 2 weeks.
HOW TO MANAGE BRUISING PAIN?
Discomfort from the needle insertion using an ice pack. ( wrapped in a towel, to minimise the risk of frostbite from direct skin contact) to the area of treatment. 3-4 times a day and 10-15 minutes at each time
WILL I ALWAYS FEEL 100% PAIN-FREE?
We can inject the treatment area. But, pain relief depends on several factors. Such as the severity of the problem. Body response to the steroid injection. Rest period following an injection, rehabilitation, and exposure to the risk factors.
HOW MANY INJECTIONS CAN I RECEIVE?
corticosteroid Injections: 2 or 3 per treatment area/year.
Hyaluronic Acid: no limit as long as you are benefiting.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) a course of 3 advised, you can repeat as you like.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED?
Arthritis, Tendinopathies, Ligament, Muscle, and Nerve related problems. We also offer trigger point injections. For persistent pain ( usually a course of 2-5 are effective).
HOW LONG THE INJECTION EFFECT LASTS?
It is hard to determine without an assessment. It may be possible to estimate after assessing the patient. Usually, lasts up to 3 months. There are many patients who benefited for more than a year to 2 years.
Hi I am 24 and currently have patellar tendonitis. Would you recommend a cortisone shot in my knee?
Best option is to call the Core Physio team and they can advise on suitable physiotherapy and injection therapy options.
Great read!!! Thanks for sharing such a great blog.