Physiotherapy - Injection of Steroid and Local Anaesthetic

Today you have had a steroid injection. The aim of the injection is to reduce pain and inflammation in a joint or soft tissue. Pain may increase for 48 hours following the injection before the steroid takes effect. Continue with pain relieving medication during this time if necessary. If the steroid was combined with local anaesthetic, this will also give some temporary pain relief.

The side effects are rare but may include:

• Temporary bruising or discomfort at the injection site
• Temporary menstrual irregularity
• If you are diabetic your blood sugars may go up for a few days
• If you have high blood pressure this may go up for a few days
• Facial flushing for up to 24 hours after the injection
• Loss of pigment in the skin around the injection site which may be permanent
• Loss of fat at the injection site that causes a dimple which may be permanent
• Risk of infection. If your injection site becomes hot, swollen and painful you should seek medical advice immediately especially if you feel unwell and inform your clinician
• Rare risk of allergy or anaphylaxis

Corticosteroids are known to lower your immunity significantly, making you susceptible to infection for 3-4 days following administration. Your immunity returns to normal after 3-4 weeks.

If you are taking immune suppressant medication or you are likely to be exposed to a person with an infection during this time, please take sensible precautions to control your exposure.

Similarly, we recommend that you avoid any vaccinations either 4 weeks before or 4 weeks after administration of a corticosteroid injection in order to maximise the benefit from the vaccination.