Joint injections (cortisone steroid injections) deliver targeted pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joints, providing effective relief under the guidance of a specialist. Our clinic offers joint injections in Leeds.
A joint injection, also called a cortisone steroid injection, is a targeted treatment that delivers medication directly into a painful or inflamed joint. The injections contain a combination of local anaesthetic and corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. Some injections may use hyaluronic acid or other substances, depending on the joint condition. With nearly 8 million people in the UK living with chronic pain, treatments like injections can be a welcome relief.
This treatment benefits patients with various joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and other inflammatory joint conditions. It's a good option for those who haven't responded adequately to oral medications or physiotherapy.
Joint injections work by delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain and inflammation. The procedure may use ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement of the medication within the joint space.
The local anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief, while the steroid medication reduces inflammation over the following days. This combination helps break the pain cycle and can provide pain relief lasting several months.
When considering private treatment, one of the first questions you’ll think of is “How much do joint injections cost?” At LivingCare, joint injections begin at £150. Patients can self-pay or use medical insurance to fund the treatment.
Before Your Treatment: Before your joint injection, you'll have a consultation to review your medical history and previous treatments. A specialist conducts a physical examination of the affected joint and reviews any relevant imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans. They will also mention if you need to stop taking medications like blood thinners before the procedure.
During Your Treatment: During the procedure, which typically lasts 10-15 minutes, your specialist will clean the skin with an antiseptic and may use a local anaesthetic to numb the area. They might use ultrasound guidance to ensure precise needle placement. You might be wondering, is a cortisone injection painful? While you may feel brief pressure or mild discomfort, the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
After Your Treatment: After your injection, you'll remain in the clinic for a short monitoring period of 15-30 minutes. The joint may feel numb for a few hours, and you might experience temporary increased pain as the anaesthetic wears off. You can apply ice to the area to reduce any discomfort.
While generally safe, potential risks include:
Your healthcare team will address these risks and how they relate to your case.
Day of injection:
After your cortisone injection, you should rest the joint for 24-48 hours. Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid strenuous activities, and apply ice if needed.
Following days:
After your cortisone injection, you can gradually return to your normal activities, keeping note of how you feel. You should discuss working out after a cortisone shot with your healthcare team; they may prescribe you specific exercises and physiotherapy.
Long-term management:
For the best long-term results, you should maintain joint-friendly exercise habits and follow any prescribed physio programme. Keep a note of how long the pain relief lasts to help you time future injections as needed.
The specialist pain management team at LivingCare have the expertise and first-class equipment to deliver joint injections into specific sites.
Joint conditions can be painful and impact your quality of life. That’s why at LivingCare, we have the resources to treat you quickly. We even offer same-day appointments, helping resolve your pain without delay.
LivingCare offers cortisone injections in our Leeds clinic. You’ll find experts ready to discuss your pain management and any treatments or investigations, such as physiotherapy or scanning.
Yes, in most cases you can drive home after a joint injection. However, if the injection is in your right leg or if you receive any sedation, you'll need someone to drive you.
Most patients can return to work the same day, but we recommend taking the rest of the day off if your job involves using the treated joint extensively.
Pain relief varies between individuals but typically lasts between 6 weeks and 6 months. Some patients experience relief for longer periods.
Most patients experience only mild discomfort. We use local anaesthetic to minimise pain during the procedure.
We typically limit corticosteroid injections to 3-4 times per year in the same joint to prevent potential tissue damage.
You may feel immediate relief from the local anaesthetic, but the full anti-inflammatory effect typically develops over 3-7 days.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Give us a call or use our contact form to get in touch with us. After receiving your referral, we will contact you to arrange a suitable time and date for your appointment.
We Contact You
Within 24 hours, a member of our team will offer you an appointment date and time that suits you. Following the scheduling of your appointment, you will be required to attend one of our clinics for your consultation or scan.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment on your chosen date and time to see one of our highly qualified consultants. After your appointment, a consultant will prepare a written report, which will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you require any further tests, treatments, or reviews, we will refer you and take care of the booking process. If you need a copy of your report or images, please contact us, and we can arrange this.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists—consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.