Cortisone

Cortisone injections are used to reduce pain and inflammation from common problems such as tendinopathy, bursitis and arthritis. They can make it easier to move, sleep and go about daily activities while your body heals or while other treatments take effect.

Your doctor may recommend a cortisone injection as part of a wider treatment plan. This might include physiotherapy, medication, exercise or other therapies. The injection itself doesn’t fix the underlying problem, but it can give significant relief and help you progress with the rest of your care.

Cortisone can also help with diagnosis. Sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where pain is coming from. If an injection is given into a specific area and your pain improves, it suggests that spot is the source. If the pain doesn’t change, it helps your doctor rule that area out and consider other causes.

Cortisone injections help most people, although the level of relief can vary. Around 70% of patients experience some improvement. For many, the pain reduces significantly and the relief lasts for weeks or even months. Others may only notice a small or short-term benefit. A small number of people don’t experience any improvement.

You won’t feel the full effect straight away. Most people notice the benefits starting after two to three days as the cortisone begins to work.

A musculoskeletal radiologist, who specialises in imaging-guided injections, performs the procedure. Your skin is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce infection risk. A very fine sterile needle is then used to inject a mixture of local anaesthetic and cortisone directly into the area that needs treatment. The doctor uses imaging to guide the needle, which helps place the medication exactly where it’s needed.

Most people feel only mild discomfort because the local anaesthetic starts working quickly. If the area is already very inflamed or sensitive, you may feel a stronger level of discomfort, but this usually settles soon after the injection.

Cortisone injections are one of several ways to manage pain and inflammation. Your referring doctor can talk you through the alternatives and help you decide what’s best before you book an appointment.

It’s important to know that cortisone injections are optional and there’s no guarantee they’ll work for everyone. You’re free to change your mind at any time before the procedure, and there’s no cost or penalty for deciding not to go ahead.

Please let our staff know if:

• You have any allergies to medicines, local anaesthetics or X-ray contrast

• You have diabetes

• You are pregnant or think you might be pregnant

It’s very important we know this before your appointment so we can keep you safe and plan your care appropriately.

If you are feeling unwell on the day or need to change or cancel your appointment, please call our office as soon as you can on 08 7081 3078.

Please bring the following items to help us process your appointment smoothly and ensure we have all the information we need:

• Your referral from your doctor or health care professional

• Your Medicare card

• Your Pension or Concession card, if you have one

• Any previous scans or X-rays related to your condition

• WorkCover or Motor Vehicle Accident claim details, including your claim number and the name of your employer or insurer, if this applies to you

Having these documents ready helps us provide accurate, timely care.