Corticosteroid Injections

There is no special preparation needed before a corticosteroid injection.

If you are taking blood thinning medications such as Warfarin, Xarelto or Aspirin, please let booking staff know. You may need to reduce or cease this medication before the day of the procedure. Please consult with your referring Doctor.

Please let the Radiologist or Sonographer know if you are diabetic, as cortisone will increase blood sugar levels over the next few days.

You may be asked to change into a gown before being escorted into an ultrasound room.

The procedure will be explained to you by the Sonographer who may also take some images.

The Radiologist will clean the area with antiseptic and guide the needle into the area of interest. The actual procedure should take less than a minute.

After the injection, it is advised to rest the area for at least two days, limiting any heavy, overhead lifting or strenuous activity.

Please be aware the area may be numb for up to six hours following the procedure so please be cautious.

We advise you not to drive for 24 hours following the procedure, so please take this into consideration when booking your appointment.

Cortisone will take between two and five days to take effect, with full relief in up to one week.

Before the cortisone can take effect, your symptoms may continue and may worsen in some people. If you are concerned, please consult with your referring Doctor.

Corticosteroid injections are very safe and usually well tolerated by patients. Very rarely cortisone or local anaesthesia can cause an allergic injection.

There is a minimal risk of infection with cortisone injections. If the area becomes red, swollen and warm, please return to your referring Doctor for further treatment.

Up to 30 minutes.

Please call our practice on 07 3035 3700.