Ultrasound Injections

Ultrasound-guided steroid injections

Ultrasound-guided steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication precisely to a painful or inflamed target (such as a joint, tendon, bursa, or near a nerve) using real-time ultrasound to improve accuracy and safety. The procedure is usually quick (around 10–20 minutes) and you can typically go home shortly afterwards; it generally involves:

  • Positioning and ultrasound imaging: gel and a probe are used to visualise the underlying structures.

  • Sterile preparation and needle guidance: the skin is cleaned, then a fine needle is advanced under live ultrasound to the exact site.

  • Injection: a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation) often combined with a local anaesthetic (for immediate relief) is injected.

These injections are used to treat pain and inflammation in:

  • Joints: shoulder, knee, hip, ankle, wrist, elbow (including osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis).

  • Tendons/bursae: rotator cuff tendinitis, subacromial or trochanteric bursitis, trigger finger, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, plantar fasciitis.

  • Nerve-related pain: carpal tunnel syndrome and other nerve entrapments.

    They can also be used diagnostically if symptom relief helps confirm the source of pain. Key advantages of ultrasound guidance include improved accuracy versus “blind” injections, real-time confirmation of needle placement, reduced risk to nearby nerves/blood vessels/tendons, and often better results for small or deep structures. After the injection, temporary numbness for a few hours and mild soreness are common; steroid relief typically begins within 2–7 days and may last weeks to months. Uncommon risks include a short-lived pain flare, rare infection, skin thinning or colour change at the site, temporary rise in blood sugar, and (with repeated injections) possible weakening of tendons or cartilage—overall making this a safe, minimally invasive option when rest, physiotherapy, or medication haven’t been enough.

Ultrasound Guided Hyaluronic Acid Injections

We are an approved ostenil injection clinic.

Within every healthy joint there is protective cartilage and synovial fluid.

With increasing wear and tear, the cartilage becomes worn down and the bones can become damaged. Within the synovial fluid  is a substance called hyaluronic acid, and it’s the key for maintaining healthy joints. It is a type of glycosaminoglycan, which is a long chain of sugars that helps to retain water and promote lubrication to joints. By injecting it into the cavity around the joint it can slow the breakdown of synovial fluid. This means it can decrease your symptoms and alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis.

Each course of natural injection therapy can provide relief for up to 9 months or longer.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) joint injections, also called viscosupplementation, are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, though they may also be used in the hip, shoulder, or ankle in some cases.

How It Works:

In osteoarthritis, HA levels decrease, making joints stiff and painful. Injections aim to restore the viscosity of the joint fluid to improve mobility and reduce pain.

Common Uses:

  • Knee osteoarthritis (most common and FDA-approved)

  • Early to moderate stages of OA (may be less effective in severe OA)

  • For patients who don’t respond well to NSAIDs or physical therapy

  • As a non-surgical option before considering joint replacement

Potential Benefits:

  • Reduced joint pain

  • Improved mobility and function

  • Delayed need for surgery

  • Generally well tolerated

Limitations:

  • Relief may take a few weeks to notice

  • Effects may last 6-9 months, but vary by individual

  • Not effective for everyone

  • Not a cure—it’s a symptom management tool

Risks (generally low):

  • Temporary joint swelling or pain at the injection site

  • Rare allergic reaction or infection

  • Post-injection flare

Prolotherapy

Why prolotherapy is considered for tendinopathy

 

Chronic tendinopathy usually involves:

  • Collagen degeneration

  • Poor blood supply

  • Minimal true inflammation

 

Prolotherapy aims to:

  • Stimulate a healing response at the tendon–bone junction (enthesis)

  • Encourage collagen remodeling and tendon strengthening

  • Improve pain and function over time

Common tendinopathies treated

  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)

  • Achilles tendinopathy

  • Patellar tendinopathy (jumper’s knee)

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy

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