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Vaccine

Steroid injection therapy

This is a specialist procedure of injecting a corticosteroid and anaesthetic into a joint or soft tissue, this is a medicine which relieves swelling, stiffness and pain by reducing inflammation. Please note that I do not perform spinal injections as these must be done under x-ray or ultrasound guidance and I do not inject directly into tendons as this can cause tendon rupture. 

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If I have not seen you for the condition you wish to be injected I will need to assess your suitability. If you are not suitable I will advise how you should be managed, if appropriate provide treatment, exercises, self-management advice and if required an onward referral letter to the appropriate health professional.

 

If you are suitable I will need to arrange the prescription. The prescribing therapist will contact you within two days to ensure there are no reasons you should not undergo the procedure. He will then arrange the presription to be delivered approximately 3 days later. I usually book your injection the following week to ensure the medication has been delivered.

  • What is an Ostenil injection?
    The main component of Synovial fluid is a substance called Hyaluronic Acid which acts as an immediate lubricant and shock-absorber to immediately decrease pain and stiffness in the joint. More importantly it stimulates the cells that produce the fluid needed in the joints and helps restore the normal balance of breakdown and production to give long lasting pain relief.
  • How long does Ostenil take to work?
    Most patients notice an immediate difference but some advise it took a few days or occasionally weeks to notice an improvement. There are a very small number of patients who advise they did not gain any benefit from the injection.
  • What is Ostenil used for?
    These injections will help all osteoarthritic synovial joints and soft tissue conditions that also rely on the production of synovial fluid.
  • Is Ostenil a steroid?
    Ostenil is not a steroid, it is an artificial copy of the naturally occurring joint lubricant called synovial fluid.
  • Are Ostenil injections painful?
    The overwhelming majority of injections of either Ostenil or Steroid are not painful if done by a well trained injection therapist. There is of course the usual discomfort of the needle going into the skin and most advise it was much less painful than they were anticipating.
  • Are Ostenil injections safe?
    They are incredibly safe as the likelihood of any reaction is even less than with a steroid injection.
  • What are the side effects of Ostenil injections?
    They are incredibly safe as the likelihood of any reaction is even less than with a steroid injection.
  • What will happen during my appointment?
    If you have not been assessed for suitability this will be the first part of the appointment. This will involve taking a thorough history followed by a thorough examination. If you are suitable you will be asked to consent to the procedure. The injection will be administered and you will be reassessed to check for an immediate response. You will be followed up within approximately one to two weeks.
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