Injection Into Joint

Joint pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making everyday activities challenging. At St John & Elizabeth Hospital, we understand how important it is for you to find effective and compassionate care. That’s why we offer joint injection treatments as a minimally invasive option to relieve joint pain.

Also known as: Joint corticosteroid injection

£1,495

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Understanding Joint Injections

Joint injections are a quick, outpatient procedure designed to deliver small doses of steroid medication directly into the joint space. These injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation associated with various conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and tendinitis.

How It Works

The procedure involves the careful insertion of a needle into the joint space, where a mixture of anaesthetics and anti-inflammatory medication is administered. This combination works to reduce pain and swelling, offering patients a period of relief that can vary from a few weeks to several months. In some cases, injections of platelet-rich plasma or hyaluronic acid are used.

Before the Procedure

Preparing for your joint injection treatment at St John & Elizabeth Hospital is an essential step towards achieving the best possible outcomes. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that you feel informed and comfortable with the process.

Consultation and Assessment

Your journey begins with a detailed consultation with one of our experienced specialists. This is a critical opportunity for you to discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you may have. It also allows your specialist to determine if a joint injection is the most suitable treatment for your condition.

Pre-treatment Preparations

Medical History Review: It’s crucial to inform your doctor about any medical conditions, allergies, and medications you’re currently taking. Special attention is given to blood thinners and medications that may affect bleeding, as adjustments may be required prior to your injection.
Allergy Check: If you have known allergies, especially to corticosteroids or local anaesthetics, make sure to inform your specialist. We prioritise your safety and can adjust the treatment plan accordingly.

During the Procedure

At St John & Elizabeth Hospital, we ensure that every aspect of your joint injection procedure is conducted with the utmost care and professionalism. Our goal is to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for you.

What to Expect

On the day of your procedure, you will be welcomed by our friendly staff and taken to a private treatment room. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens during the procedure:

Preparation: The area around the joint will be thoroughly cleaned to prevent infection. Depending on the location of the injection and your comfort level, you may be positioned to best access the joint.

Local Anaesthesia: To minimise discomfort, a local anaesthetic may be applied to the skin and deeper tissues around the joint. This will numb the area, making the procedure more comfortable.

The Injection: Using precise, guided techniques, your specialist will carefully insert a needle into the joint space. The medication — typically a combination of a corticosteroid and a local anaesthetic — will then be injected. The corticosteroid helps reduce inflammation and pain, while the anaesthetic provides immediate pain relief.

Post-Injection Care: Once the injection is complete, the needle is withdrawn, and a small dressing is applied to the injection site. The entire process is quick, usually taking only around 20 minutes.

After the Procedure

Recovery and aftercare are crucial aspects of your joint injection treatment at St John & Elizabeth Hospital. Our commitment to your health extends beyond the procedure room, as we aim to support your journey back to comfort and mobility.

Immediate Aftercare

Rest: Although joint injections generally allow for a quick return to daily activities, we recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Resting helps your body to start the healing process. Do not take part in sports or other strenuous activity for 3-5 days after the procedure.
Pain Management: It’s normal to experience some pain after the anaesthetic wears off. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used as directed by your doctor. Flare-ups of pain are normal during the first 48-72 hours after the procedure, however, if the flare-up has not dissipated by then, please contact the doctor who has organised your injection.
Leaving the hospital: you will be able to drive, so there is no need to organise assistance.

Risks & complications

infection
post-procedure pain
skin discoloration

Medically reviewed by Mr Abbas Rashid - BSc(Hons) MBBS FRCS(Tr&Orth) on 26/04/2024

Hospital Fee Guaranteed

£1,495

The price shown includes all costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge.

Doesn’t include surgeon or anaesthetist fee.

Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.

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How to pay for your treatment

If you’re… paying for yourself

Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.

For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.

If you’re… insured

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.

Find out more

Appointment

You will have an initial consultation with a specialist experienced in joint care. This meeting is crucial for evaluating your condition and discussing the appropriateness of a joint injection as a treatment option for you.

Treatment Plan

During your appointment, you’ll explore your medical history, the benefits and risks associated with joint injections, and what you can expect in terms of recovery. This collaborative approach ensures that the decision to proceed with a joint injection is made jointly, aligning with your health goals and ensuring you’re fully informed.