What is an Ultrasound Guided Joint Injection?
The Joint Care Specialist will use ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the placement of a needle for injecting medication into a specific area of the body, such as a joint or tendon, to resolve your pain with the accurate application of therapeutic substances.
Outcomes include pain relief, inflammation reduction, and improved joint mobility.
This technique allows for more accurate delivery of medication to the targeted site, improving the effectiveness of treatment and reducing the risk of complications.
Ultrasound-Guided Injections are commonly used for various medical conditions
Joint Injections
For conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis affecting joints like the shoulder, knee, hip, or ankle.
Tendon Injections
For conditions such as tendinopathy or tendon tears in areas like the rotator cuff, achilles tendon, or tennis elbow.
Soft Tissue Injections
For conditions such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, or trigger points causing localised pain.
Nerve Blocks
For targeting specific nerves to relieve pain associated with conditions like sciatica or nerve entrapment syndromes.
Advantages of Ultrasound Guided Injections
Overall, ultrasound-guided injections offer a safer, more precise, and effective approach to delivering medication to the targeted area, providing patients with enhanced pain relief and improved outcomes.
Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, allowing for precise needle placement, ensuring accurate delivery of medication to the target area.
With direct visualisation of anatomical structures, the risk of inadvertently hitting nearby nerves, blood vessels, or other sensitive structures is minimised, enhancing safety.
By precisely targeting the affected area, ultrasound-guided injections can improve the effectiveness of treatment, leading to better outcomes for patients.
Ultrasound-guided injections are minimally invasive procedures, resulting in reduced discomfort and faster recovery times compared to surgical interventions.
Ultrasound guidance can be used for a wide range of injections, including joint injections, tendon injections, nerve blocks, and soft tissue injections, making it a versatile tool in pain management and musculoskeletal care.
What to expect
Before the injection, a topical anaesthetic may be applied to the skin’s surface, numbing the area around the joint. This helps minimise any discomfort associated with the needle insertion.
We use a fine-gauge needle to deliver the medication. The size of the needle is chosen to minimise tissue trauma and reduce the sensation of the injection.
We use ultrasound guidance to precisely locate the joint and guide the needle’s placement. This enhances accuracy and reduces the risk of discomfort.
The medication is injected slowly and in a controlled manner to prevent sudden pressure changes within the joint, which can contribute to discomfort.
The type of medication used can influence the level of discomfort. Some injections contain local anesthetics or corticosteroids to provide both immediate relief and longer-term anti-inflammatory effects.
Patient comfort is a priority, and we often encourage communication during the procedure. If there is any discomfort, adjustments can be made to ensure a more painless experience.
Common Conditions We Treat with an Ultrasound Guided Injection
- Tennis Elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow
- Elbow Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- Olecranon Bursitis
- Elbow Joint Effusion
- Elbow Tendonitis
- Ligament Sprains/Tears
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Are you certain of the diagnosis of tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow can mimic other conditions, requiring thorough examination and possible imaging for diagnosis. Our Ultrasound-guided injections offer effective therapy, often without cortisone.
Complete our short survey to discuss at your appointment.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger Finger
- Tendon Inflammation
- Ganglion Cyst Aspiration
- De Quesrvain’s Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis Of The Hand Or Wrist Joints
- Wrist Tendinitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Wrist Joint Effusion
- Wrist Bursitis
- Scaphoild Fractures
- Arthritis
Do you have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Wondering about surgery? Carpal Tunnel syndrome finds relief in Ultrasound-guided steroid injections, offering immediate and safe results, with efficacy lasting up to 5 years. Quick, painless, and accurate.
- Trochanteric Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis Of The Hip Joint
- Hip Tendonitis
- Hip Labral Tear
- Iliopsoas Tendinitis
- Hip Synovitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Of The Hip
- Fai-Famoral Tubular Impingement
- Greater Trochanteris Pain Syndrome
- Hip Joint Effusion
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Hip Fractures/Stress Fractures
Hip pain? Ultrasound-guided injections offer effective non-surgical treatment. Join us for a calm discussion, review your diagnosis, and create a tailored action plan.
- Osteoarthritis Of The knee
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Meniscal Tears
- Iliotibal (IT) Band Syndrome
- Synovitis
- Gout Or Pseudo-gout
- Jumpers Knee
- Baker’s Cyst
- Ligament Injuries
- Patelloefemoral Pain Syndrome
- Hoffa’s Fat Pad Impingement
- Posterior Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Entrapment
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Frozen Shoulder
- Subacromial Bursitis
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Calcific Tendonitis
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Glenhumeral Joint Osteoarthritis
- Acromicoclavicular Joint Arthritis
- Bicipital Tendinitis
- Labral Tears
- Posterior Capsular Tightness
- Glenohumeral Instability
Shoulder pain can have multiple causes, but we’re here to provide clarity. Our holistic approach, including Ultrasound and MRI diagnostics, ensures an accurate action plan for lasting relief. Get diagnosed, receive pain relief, and explore treatment options tailored to you.
Experiencing persistent shoulder pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion? You could have frozen shoulder. For best results, consider injection therapy within 6 weeks of onset.
Different Types of Injections we Offer
Corticosteroid Injections
Directly administered into a joint to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain-
Rapid reduction of inflammation
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Alleviation of joint pain, stiffness and swelling
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Improved joint function for better quality of life
Biologic Injections
Derived from living organisms they target the body's immune system.-
Modify or regulate the immune system's response
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Target molecules of abnormal cell growth
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reduce inflammation and control symptoms
PRP Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma injections use blood for healing and tissue regeneration.-
Reduce pain and inflammation of joint
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Stimulate tissue healing and regeneration
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Enhance joint function and mobility
Your Questions Answered
What is a musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound?
A musculoskeletal (MSK) ultrasound involves the use of high-frequency sound waves generated by a specialized machine. These waves can penetrate the skin, offering valuable images of deep tissues within the body. This imaging technique is harmless and extremely beneficial for assessing a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting tendons, muscles, joints, and surrounding soft tissues. Unlike X-rays, MSK ultrasound does not expose individuals to radiation or any adverse effects.
What is a steroid/cortisone injection?
Steroids, also known as cortisone, are anti-inflammatory medications used to alleviate pain and inflammation in targeted areas of the body. They can be administered directly into joints to ease arthritis discomfort, referred to as “intra-articular steroid injections”. Additionally, they treat conditions like bursitis and tendonitis, providing symptomatic relief by reducing inflammation. While steroid injections don’t address the root cause of the condition, they effectively alleviate symptoms. Commonly used types include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone, and methylprednisolone. Typically, these injections contain a local anaesthetic for immediate pain relief lasting a few hours, with the steroid taking a few days to begin working, its effects lasting several months.
What medication is used in a Corticosteroid Injection?
Commonly used corticosteroids for injections include triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and betamethasone. The specific type of steroid and its formulation depend on the medical condition and the joint care specialists preferences.
Which conditions can Corticosteroid Injections treat?
Steroid injections are used to treat inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and certain skin disorders. They aim to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function in affected areas.
What are the side affects of having an injection?
While steroid injections can be effective, they are not without potential risks and side effects. These may include temporary pain at the injection site, skin changes, infection, bleeding, allergic reactions, and, with prolonged use, potential systemic effects such as changes in blood sugar levels or bone density.
How long will it take to work?
The duration of symptom relief varies among individuals and conditions. Some may experience immediate relief from local anaesthetics included in the injection, while the anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid may take a few days to manifest. Relief can last from weeks to months, and repeat injections may be considered.
Are joint injections painful?
The injection procedure may cause some discomfort, but our joint care specialist will take measures to minimise any pain or discomfort. Local anaesthesia can be used to help manage the pain.
What parts of the body can you inject?
Steroid injections can be administered in various locations on the body, depending on the specific medical condition being treated. The choice of injection site is determined by factors such as the type of condition, the affected joint or tissue, and the joint care specialist’s expertise.
Intra-Articular Injections (Joints):
These injections are administered directly into a joint space. Including:
Intramuscular Injections:
Intramuscular injections are delivered into a muscle. Including:
- Deltoid muscle (upper arm)
- Gluteal muscles (buttocks)
- Quadriceps muscles (thigh)
Soft Tissue Injections:
Soft tissue injections target areas around tendons, bursae, or other soft tissue structures. Including:
- Tendons (e.g., Achilles tendon, patellar tendon)
- Bursae (e.g., subacromial bursa)
- Ligaments
- Plantar fascia (for conditions like plantar fasciitis).
What's included in the Saint Health Clinics Injection Service?
Our Joint Injection Consultation includes a comprehensive assessment by our joint care specialist, who will evaluate your joint condition and discuss the most suitable injection treatment for you. We provide after care with personalised guidance and treatment plans.
How long will the effect of the joint injection last?
Steroid injections provide symptomatic relief but do not cure underlying conditions. They are part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
How many steroid injections can I have?
It’s important to consult your Joint Care Specialist regarding this matter, but it’s worth noting that repeated steroid injections may heighten the risk of side effects. Additionally, there’s some apprehension that frequent intra-articular steroid injections could potentially harm cartilage. As a precaution, healthcare providers typically limit steroid injections to no more than 3-4 times annually in the same area of the body.
How long should I rest after a cortisone injection?
Typically, patients are recommended to rest for 48-72 hours following a cortisone injection, although this may vary based on the treatment type and condition severity. For instance, those receiving a trochanteric bursa corticosteroid injection are often advised to rest for 48 hours, whereas individuals undergoing a more complex procedure like PRP injection into the gluteal tendons might be instructed to rest for 5-7 days.
Ready to experience precise pain relief? Call now to schedule your ultrasound-guided injection!
Book now for a free no obligation consultation!