Steroid Injections

G O Y E T T E F O O T C L I N I C

Steroid injections (also known as cortisone injections) are a common and incredibly useful tool in reducing pain, aching, throbbing, swelling and inflammation in the foot and ankle.

They work by delivering medicine into or near the painful area or joint and they are an important first stage treatment for many painful conditions before surgery is considered.

  • Many painful foot conditions can benefit from steroid (cortisone) injections. For example, 80% of patients with a Morton’s Neuroma are significantly improved with conservative treatment, including steroid (cortisone) injections.

    Other foot conditions that can be improved with steroid (cortisone) injections are:

    Joint pain and arthritis

    Neuroma

    Tendonitis

    Capsulitis

    Bursitis

    Heel pain (including plantar fasciitis)

    Plantar fibromatosis

    Ganglions

  • Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a steroid produced by the body’s adrenal glands. It is made into a preparation which keeps it mostly in the area that it has been injected, rather than spreading around the body.

    The main reason for injecting cortisone at the site of foot pain and inflammation is that there are fewer side effects to the whole body, as opposed to taking oral steroids.

    When we inject a strong concentration of cortisone directly at the site of the pain the results are more effective. Cortisone, like all steroids, is a very powerful agent for reducing inflammation and by reducing inflammation we can reduce pain, redness, and swelling.

    The steroid injections are also long-acting, which means relief from symptoms may take several days to work but may last for several months. The local anesthetic mixed with the cortisone also helps to provide some pain relief for the first few hours.

  • As with any medical procedure, there are risks which David will always thoroughly explain to you prior to your treatment, so you can be informed every step of the way.

    The main risks for steroid (cortisone) injections are:

    • Pain

    • Swelling

    • Steroid flare

    • Infection

    • Dimpling of the skin

    • Failure to work