Local Anaesthetic Injections
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Local anaesthetic injections temporarily block pain signals from a specific area of the body. Unlike steroid injections, they do not treat inflammation or provide long-term relief. Instead, they play a valuable role in both diagnostic pain injections and short-term symptom management.
Local anaesthetic injections use a medication that temporarily numbs a targeted area by blocking nerve signals. This reduces or eliminates pain sensation for a short period, typically lasting from a few hours up to one day, depending on the anaesthetic used.
These injections are often used as diagnostic pain injections to confirm whether a specific joint, structure or nerve is the source of pain. If symptoms improve immediately after the injection, it provides valuable information to guide further treatment. With 43% of UK adults living with a degree of chronic pain according to research, it’s a useful tool to help with the management and treatment of the root cause.
At LivingCare, local anaesthetic injections in Leeds and Sheffield are delivered under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate needle placement and minimise the risk of complications.
Local anaesthetic injections work by interrupting the transmission of pain signals along nerves in the targeted area. Once injected, the medication temporarily blocks nerve signals that transmit pain signals to the brain.
Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the relevant anatomy in real time. This is particularly important for nerve block injections, where precise placement around the nerve is essential for both effectiveness and safety.
Local anaesthetic injections may be used for a range of diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:
They are often used alongside imaging, physiotherapy or other pain management treatments.
Using ultrasound guidance, local anaesthetic injections can be delivered accurately to joints, muscles, soft tissues, or around nerves, improving safety and clinical confidence. Your appointment takes place in a calm, clinical environment, with time to discuss your symptoms and understand the purpose of the injection, whether for pain relief, diagnosis, or both.
Before Your Appointment
No special preparation is usually required. It can be helpful to bring previous scans or test results and to note how your pain behaves during daily activities. This supports accurate assessment and planning.
During Your Appointment
The anaesthetic injection takes around 10–15 minutes. After cleaning the skin, ultrasound guidance locates the target area. A fine needle is guided into position before the local anaesthetic is injected. You may feel discomfort, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
After Your Appointment
Pain relief often occurs quickly, sometimes within minutes. Because sensation may be temporarily reduced, you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours. Normal daily activities can usually be resumed once sensation and strength return.
Local anaesthetic injections are considered low risk. Mild side effects can include temporary soreness, bruising or numbness at the injection site.
Serious complications, such as infection, allergic reaction, or nerve injury, are rare. Your clinician will discuss any individual risks with you before treatment.
There is minimal recovery time following local anaesthetic injections. Most people return to normal activities the same day or the following day. Because the effects are temporary, your clinician may use the response to guide further treatment decisions.
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Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
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.
