When pain and swelling block progress, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections can provide rapid relief. By precisely targeting the joint, bursa, or tendon sheath, we calm inflammation and pain to create a vital window for effective rehabilitation.
Diagnostic Process: Align exam findings with diagnostic imaging to ensure an accurate diagnosis and characterization of your pain source.
Precision Placement: To ensure your comfort and the highest level of precision, we perform every injection using ultrasound guidance.
The Steroid Effect: Injecting the minimum effective dose of triamcinolone or dexamethasone into the joint, bursa, or tendon sheath induces a localized anti-inflammatory response and alleviates pain.
Glenohumeral and AC joint osteoarthritis, subacromial impingement and bursitis, adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder), biceps tenosynovitis, and various nerve entrapments such as suprascapular nerve entrapment.
Foot & ankle osteoarthritis of the major and digital joints, tenosynovitis—most commonly in the peroneal or posterior tibial tendons—plantar fasciitis, and tarsal tunne syndrome (posterior tibial nerve entrapment).
Elbow osteoarthritis, olecranon bursitis, lateral or medial epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow), and nerve entrapment syndromes like Cubital Tunnel Syndrome.
Hand and wrist osteoarthritis, tenosynovitis—such as de Quervain’s—synovial cysts, trigger finger, and various nerve entrapments like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Hip osteoarthritis, gluteal and hip flexor tendinopathy and bursitis, snapping hip syndrome, and various nerve entrapment syndromes.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA), degenerative meniscal irritation, Baker’s cysts—often associated with OA or meniscus injuries— various forms of bursitis (pes anserine, prepatellar, and infrapatellar) and common peroneal nerve entrapment.
Visit Length
10-15 minutes. This is an outpatient procedure; you will return home the same day.
Sensation
The injection may cause temporary pressure or burning. Expect immediate relief from the anesthetic; steroid benefits typically build over 24–72 hours, with peak effect around 1–2 weeks.
Post-Treatment Recovery:
Expect mild, brief soreness at the injection site for a day or two.
Activity Protocol
While we suggest a few days of light activity, there is typically very little downtime required. Our team will support your recovery with a personalized physical therapy plan designed to get you back to the activities you love.
Results
Steroid benefits typically build over 24–72 hours, with peak effect around 1–2 weeks.Relief often lasts 6–12 weeks, though it may be longer. We’ll use this time to advance a rehab plan that addresses strength, mobility, and mechanics.
Frequency
To preserve cartilage and soft tissue integrity, corticosteroid use is generally limited to 2–3 injections. These are reserved for cases where they facilitate rehabilitation and functional gains or serve as a bridge to surgery. A minimum interval of three months between injections must be maintained.
Safety
While steroid injections are generally safe when used judiciously, they carry cumulative risks. Frequent administration into soft tissues can compromise structural integrity. Within joints, repeated use may accelerate cartilage deterioration.
Systemic Considerations
Temporary increase in blood sugar (if you have diabetes), brief fluctuations in blood pressure, or mild shifts in your mood and sleep patterns. We’ll coordinate with your medical team as needed.
Surgical Considerations
Avoid steroid injections within the 3 months preceding major surgery, such as joint replacement. Always consult your surgical team prior to any injection.
We’ll review your history, imaging, goals, and prior treatments to determine whether a corticosteroid injection is the most appropriate procedure for your condition.
What to know more about our evidence based approach? Explore the links below for more information.
Study demonstrating short-term clinic utility of intra-articular knee corticosteroid injections.
Study comparing efficacy of corticosteroids vs hyaluronic acid injections for knee osteoarthritis.
Study comparing efficacy of corticosteroid, hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for knee osteoarthritis.
Efficacy of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventions for Plantar Fasciitis: A Systematic Review.
Schedule a consultation to explore non-surgical treatment options that align with your active lifestyle.
