What is an ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive method of producing images of the body’s interior using high frequency sound waves. A computer converts the information into a moving picture that is displayed on a monitor. It is a method of examining deeper structures without ionising radiation. It is used to assess for soft tissue and joint pathologies, and a guide for injection placement.
What is an ultrasound guided injection?
An ultrasound guided injection is used to provide symptom relief for painful and/or swollen joints, ligaments or tendons. Having an injection administered with ultrasound guidance helps guide the needle to the exact location requiring treatment.
Steroid injections are used to reduce pain and swelling whilst improving function and mobility. The injection is a mixture of a steroid and local anaesthetic to help provide post treatment comfort. Steroid injections in the foot and ankle may be considered as part of a treatment plan.
Conditions for steroid injections:
– Plantar fasciitis
– Heel pain
– Mortons neuroma
– Osteoarthritis
– Calcaneal bursitis
– Sinus tarsi syndrome
After the steroid injection?
You may feel immediate relief following the injection. This is the effect of the local anaesthetic and this will usually wear off within 2-4 hours. The improvement from the steroid will start about 24-48 hours following the injection, in some cases it may take longer. The effect of the injection varies between people. It may ease the pain for a few weeks, several months, or may not return. There are some cases where injections have had no effect.
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