Corticosteroid Injections

These injections have become commonplace within the NHS, Private practice, and in Professional Sports. But what are they? Corticosteroid injections are artificial versions of the human hormone, cortisone. This hormone is anti-inflammatory in nature, and can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal issues. 

One thing that is sometimes misunderstood, is that corticosteroid injections are NOT painkillers, they are anti-inflammatories. However, clinicians who inject often add a painkiller to the injection for a two-pronged approach to the problem.

Benefits of Corticosteroids

For some people, an injection of corticosteroid will give them profound relief, and for others there will be no change. The outcome is based in a variety of factors including was an injection the appropriate treatment, was there true inflammation in the first place? Did the injection get to the site of inflammation accurately? For some people, relief is very short-lived, in some cases only a few days or weeks of relief. 

Conditions commonly considered when discussing a corticosteroid injection:

• Joint inflammation

• Tendinitis

• Bursitis

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Sciatica (mainly when symptoms go down to the leg)

• Cervical Radiculopathy (nerve pain going down from the neck to the arm)

Side Effects of Corticosteroids

Although risks are small, they are possible, and your clinician will discuss them with you.

• Potential infection

• Thinning of nearby bone

• Joint irritation

• Nerve damage

Should I continue with physiotherapy after my injection?

Physiotherapy often occurs before someone has even mentioned an injection to you. Injections often occur when physiotherapy and rehab has been slow, or has been prohibited by high levels of pain and/or inflammation. Post-injection, the following period should be viewed as a ‘window of opportunity’ whereby you can rehabilitate your injured area, and mitigate the chance of having the same issue in the future. A common mistake for some people after an injection is to stop all activity as ‘the pain is gone’, only for the pain to return a few months later and they are now 2-3 months weaker. By continuing your rehabilitation program, you can achieve lasting change, and hopefully avoid the need for injections in the future. 

If you have any questions on whether physio is the best option for you, or you have any questions about MVMNT in general, feel free to contact via email.

- Jay Towolawi, Specialist Sports Physiotherapist and MVMNT Founder.