Steroid is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help to reduce pain and swelling within the knee joint.
Steroid injections increase a patient’s ability to carry out rehabilitation programmes that can often be difficult due to pain. Injections are given locally into the knee joint which avoids the general side-effects of steroids.
Steroid is a safe and effective treatment that avoids the need for any invasive procedures. It aims to reduce pain and stiffness within the knee consequently improving mobility and quality of life.
This treatment is recommended for varying levels of knee osteoarthritis that hasn’t improved with other conservative measures such as lifestyle changes or physiotherapy. Most patients are able to have a steroid injection.
At Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic, a thorough history, clinical examination and review of x-rays will be undertaken by Professor Hopper to ensure this injection is right for you.
This depends on your own circumstance and Professor Hopper will be more than happy to discuss this with you. A successful steroid injection works for several months then if the effects begin to subside, it can be repeated.
The procedure takes roughly 15-20 minutes and is an outpatient treatment.
You will be reviewed prior to the procedure and any questions that you may have beforehand can be answered.
When we are ready to begin the procedure, you will be positioned as comfortably as possible on the treatment table. The needle is inserted directly into your knee joint where we will remove any excess joint fluid and inject the steroid.
There may be some discomfort and stiffness following the procedure but this is usually temporary. We recommend avoiding any significant activities for a few days then commencing a gradual rehab programme. At Glasgow Knee Surgery Clinic we have links to several leading physiotherapists within the region and can recommend and liaise directly with them regarding your injection.
