Injection Therapy

Steroid injections are types of anti-inflammatory medicines and they’re not the same as anabolic steroids used by body builders to increase their muscle size and strength

Steroid Injections

ABOUT STEROID INJECTIONS TREATMENT

Steroid injections are types of anti-inflammatory medicines and they’re not the same as anabolic steroids used by body builders to increase their muscle size and strength. They are used to treat a wide range of conditions such as joint pain, arthritis and repetitive strain injuries. An alternatives treatment to steroid joint injections is also available in the form of hyaluronic acid (Ostenil).

A number of different steroids are available for injection. Common examples of steroid injections are:

  • Hydrocortisone
  • Triamcinolone or Kenalog
  • Methylprednisolone or Depo-Medrone

What are the benefits?

The main advantages for the patient are a reduction in pain and an increase in function. Steroid injections can help maintain joint structure and function by reducing inflammation.

Local injections are usually well tolerated and have fewer serious side effects than other types of steroid medications.

Steroid injections may reduce the need for oral steroids or higher doses of oral steroids, both of which may have more side effects.

What are the side effects?

Although steroid injections are one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and improve function, they do not usually cure the illness.

It is common to experience some minor pain at the time of the injection.

The following side effects may occur in rare cases:

  • Infection.
  • Allergic reactions are common.
  • Bleeding on the spot.
  • Tendon rupture is a condition in which a tendon ruptures.
  • Long-term discomfort.
  • Discoloration of the skin.

Excessively frequent, repetitive injections into the same area can weaken bone, ligaments, and tendons.

Not everyone will experience negative side effects. The frequency with which any side effect occurs differs from patient to patient. It’s possible that none of the listed side effects will occur if steroid injections are given infrequently (less than every three to four months).

How do they work?

Steroids come in a variety of forms that differ in terms of how easily they dissolve and how long they stay in the body.

Steroids can be given systemically, or all over the body, or locally, to the exact location where a problem exists.

Systemic steroids can be injected into a vein, injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), or taken orally (orally). Local steroids can be injected into joints, bursae (lubricating sacs between certain tendons and the bones beneath them), or around tendons or other soft tissue areas as eye drops, ear drops, or skin creams.

A syringe and a small needle are used to inject the steroid into the targeted area. Prior to the procedure, lidocaine or a spray is usually used as an anaesthetic. It is common to experience some minor pain during the procedure. The amount of pain experienced depends on the location of the shot and the patient.

What is OSTENIL® PLUS?

OSTENIL® PLUS is a hyaluronic acid-based solution that was created specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis. It can be injected into the knee or any other synovial joint in the body to relieve pain and stiffness, as well as improve other osteoarthritis symptoms. It contains more sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) and mannitol than standard OSTENIL®, as well as the option of reducing the number of injections to one per treatment cycle.

What is a synovial joint?

A synovial joint is one that allows for movement, like the knee, hip or shoulder. Where the bones meet, their surfaces are covered with a layer of thick cartilage and a thin layer of fluid (synovial fluid) that separates and lubricates the two surfaces and protects the cartilage from wear and tear. The most important component of synovial fluid is hyaluronic acid, which allows the fluid to perform effectively.

How does OSTENIL® PLUS work?

This medication is injected into the synovial fluid-filled space between the joints and works to restore the balance between hyaluronic acid breakdown and production. As a result of this effect, OSTENIL® PLUS can aid in the reduction of joint pain and stiffness.

OSTENIL® PLUS contains very pure hyaluronic acid that is produced through fermentation. It is unlikely to cause an allergic reaction because it contains no animal proteins, and the addition of mannitol (a sugar derivative) helps the hyaluronic acid work for longer and more efficiently in the joint.

Treatment with OSTENIL® PLUS

A fully qualified clinician should inject OSTENIL® PLUS directly into the joint(s) affected by osteoarthritis. It’s unlikely that you’ll notice any benefits right away, but over the next few weeks, you should notice a gradual reduction in pain and stiffness, which should last for several months.

If your clinician thinks it’s safe, you can choose to have another injection when the effects of OSTENIL® PLUS start to wear off.

Does OSTENIL® PLUS have any side effects?

OSTENIL® PLUS has been thoroughly tested and found to have no serious side effects; additionally, it contains no animal proteins, making it unlikely to cause an allergic reaction.

As with all injections, there is a small chance of infection and some post-injection pain, which may last a day or two.

Before beginning any new treatment, always consult with your clinician or ask your physiotherapist.

Ostenil Treatments

OSTENIL® contains hyaluronic acid and is injected into the joint or around the tendon to restore normal function.

Ostenil ® Standard

OSTENIL® is an isotonic solution of highly purified hyaluronan (sodium hyaluronate) developed specifically for the treatment of osteoarthritis.
ostenil standard injection treatment in digbeth

Ostenil ® Plus

Contains mannitol and a higher concentration of sodium hyaluronate to offer effective symptomatic relief with a single injection.

ostenil-plus injection treatment in Digbeth

Ostenil ® Mini

OSTENIL® is identical to the standard version of OSTENIL®, but contains a lower amount, ideal for the treatment of small joints.

Ostenil ® Tendon

Used for the treatment of pain and reduced mobility due to tendon disorders, supporting both tendon gliding and the regeneration process.

Ostenil-Tendon injection therapy

Ostenil Costs

All of our steroid injections are performed with local anaesthetic. All of our joint injections are performed by quailed practitioners using aseptic techniques, who have undertaken significant training at University level to be able to perform injections.

We charge the following costs for an injection:

  • Single ostenil injection to a joint and Consultation: £200.00
  • Two joints injection and Consultation: £320.00

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