At Foot Ankle Lower Limb, we understand how foot and ankle pain can significantly impact your daily life. As endorsed podiatrists and podiatric surgeons qualified to prescribe scheduled medicines, we offer cortisone injections to effectively treat inflammation and pain. If you're experiencing ongoing discomfort, book an appointment today with Dr Kevin Ho, Dr Lee Gray, or Dr Andrew Schox for expert care.
What Is Injection Therapy?
Injection therapy involves administering medications (typically a combination of cortisone and local anesthetic) directly into problem areas such as joints, tendon sheaths, or nerve irritations to manage acute or chronic pain. This technique delivers the medication precisely where it's needed, bypassing the digestive system to provide faster, more effective relief. Injection therapies not only alleviate pain but may also help diagnose specific conditions by evaluating how the body responds to treatment.
What Are Cortisone Injections and How Do They Work?
Cortisone is a powerful steroid that mimics the body's natural hormone, cortisol, but with enhanced anti-inflammatory properties. It works by suppressing the immune response, reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling at the injection site.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Cortisone Injections:
Joint Arthritis: Painful inflammation of the foot and ankle joints (post-injury or wear-and-tear related)
Tendonitis: Conditions like posterior tibialis tendonitis or peroneal tendonitis
Chronic Heel Pain: Such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinosis
Nerve-related Pain: Morton's neuroma or other nerve entrapments (e.g., Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome)
Plantar Fibromas: Lumps or nodules in the arch of the foot
Bursitis or Ganglionic Cysts: Inflammation of bursae or fluid-filled sacs in the foot or ankle. Occasionally, aspiration (drainage) may be required concurrently
How Quickly Do Cortisone Injections Work?
Cortisone injections typically act within 3–14 days, though for some people it may take up to 2–4 weeks to fully take effect. A local anesthetic is often used during the procedure to provide immediate, temporary relief for up to 1–2 days after the injection.
How Do We Ensure Precise Injection Placement?
Our practitioners are highly skilled in using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to guide injections directly into the affected structure. This technique, known as ultrasound-guided injection, is crucial for accuracy. Given the foot and ankle's complex anatomy—28 bones, 33 joints, and hundreds of soft-tissue structures—precise injection placement is vital for both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes.
Are Cortisone Injections Safe?
Cortisone injections are a common and standard therapeutic modality used in evidence-based medicine for many decades. When administered by experienced professionals, they carry minimal risks and provide significant pain relief for most patients.
Possible Side Effects:
Infection: Extremely rare (<0.1%)
Bruising or Skin Discolouration: Temporary changes at the injection site
Allergic Reactions: Uncommon, but may cause rash, itching, or difficulty breathing
Hot Flushes & Mood Changes: Temporary symptoms that resolve within 24 hours
Blood Sugar Elevations: People with diabetes may notice a temporary increase in blood sugar for a few days
What to Do After an Injection?
After receiving a cortisone injection, it's important to rest the affected area for 24–48 hours and avoid excessive weight-bearing activities. A temporary increase in pain (known as a steroid flare) may occur but usually resolves within a couple of days. Applying a cold pack and taking oral paracetamol can help alleviate discomfort.
Can I drive after a cortisone injection?
After receiving a cortisone injection, it's recommended that you have a companion drive you home to ensure your well-being and safety. Please contact your practitioner for specific post-injection care instructions tailored to your situation.
If you're ready to find relief from your foot or ankle pain, our team at Foot Ankle Lower Limb is here to help. Cortisone injections are just one of the many advanced treatments we offer to get you back on your feet.
For more information or to book your appointment, call us at (08) 9316 3010 or visit us at 87 Coomoora Rd, Booragoon WA 6154.
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