Podiatric Surgery
Steroid Injections Introduction
This leaflet will explain what will happen when you come to the hospital for a steroid injection to treat your foot problem. Why do I need this procedure? Steroid injections are used for a variety of foot problems. In some cases they cure the problem and in other cases the steroid will help with your pain but further treatment may be required. The most common problems that steroids are used for include: Trapped nerves (Morton’s neuromas).
Heel pain.
Inflamed or arthritic joints.
Capsulitis.
Steroids are naturally occurring chemicals in the body that regulate many bodily functions, i.e. blood pressure. Please be assured that sex hormones (such as those used illegally in sport) which have specific effects on gender are not the type of steroids you will be given. You will be given a synthetic steroid which has a powerful antiinflammatory action. It reduces inflammation anywhere in the body from whatever cause, but because it is injected into soft tissues or the joints, its effects are usually localised.
What does the procedure involve? A local anaesthetic will be given to ease discomfort and then the steroid is delivered. The full benefit of the injection may take up to a week to appear. The duration and level of benefit cannot be predicted. Whether or not a previous steroid injection somewhere else was successful will have no influence on whether you will benefit from a steroid injection into your foot. Some people get little benefit. Repeated injections usually become less effective, and your surgeon will be generally reluctant to repeat these any more than three times. Sometimes, the injection is best done under ultrasound and if this is the case you will be referred accordingly.
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When you attend for your injection, please ensure you have someone to take you home (avoid public transport). You should elevate the foot for 24 hours after the injection and if necessary take your usual painkillers.
What are the possible risks and complications? As with any medical treatment, there are possible risks and complications. Few patients get side effects and this list is intended as a guide only. Steroid flare: This is an acute inflammatory reaction, probably caused by the crystal structure of the steroid solution. The area becomes acutely painful, red, hot and swollen but remains localised. In the rare event of this happening, please apply an ice pack, take painkillers and, if necessary, call the day surgery unit. It usually subsides within 24 hours. 1 PSI-2406-1713-01
Steroid Injections Soft tissue damage can occur, but this is usually very localised. Thinning of fat after a steroid injection is a major and very rare complication. This complication could occur after injecting the heel fat pad and is irreversible. Fortunately, this is very uncommon. Steroid can depigment (lighten) the skin around the injection site and this would be more noticeable on black skin. This change could be permanent. Infection is possible after any injection. Look out for redness, swelling and pain.
Useful numbers Braintree Community Hospital
Podiatric Day Surgery Unit
01376 555 900
01376 555 908
If you have any concerns during the first 24 hours following your discharge from hospital, please telephone the ward you were on. After 24 hours, please seek advice from your GP. This document can be made available in other languages and formats upon request. Podiatric Surgery at Braintree Community Hospital, April 2015. Review due: July 2019
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