Foot and Ankle Steroid Injections

Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.

They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain, Morton’s neuromas, muscle pain and bursitis.

Steroid injections are only given by healthcare professionals. Common examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and methylprednisolone.

How steroid injections are given

Steroid injections are usually given by a specialist Podiatrist.

They can be given in several different ways, including:

  • into a joint (an intra-articular injection)
  • into a muscle (an intramuscular injection)
  • into a Morton’s neuroma
  • into a bursae
  • into the plantar fascia
  • alongside the Achilles tendon

The injections normally take a few days to start working, although some work in a few hours. The effect usually wears off after a few months.

If you’re having an injection to relieve pain, it may also contain local anaesthetic. This provides immediate pain relief that lasts a few hours.

You should be able to go home soon after the injection. You may need to rest the treated body part for a few days.

Side effects of steroid injections

Possible side effects of steroid injections depend on where the injection is given.

Side effects of injections into the joints, muscles or spine can include:

  • pain and discomfort for a few days – paracetamol may help with this
  • temporary bruising or a collection of blood under the skin
  • flushing of the face for a few hours
  • an infection, causing redness, swelling and pain – get medical advice as soon as possible if you have these symptoms
  • a loss of fat where the injection was given – this can cause dimples in the skin and may be permanent
  • paler skin around the site of the injection – this may be permanent
  • if you have diabetes, your blood sugar level may go up for a few days
  • if you have high blood pressure, your blood pressure may go up for a few days

Client FAQ

Most people can have steroid injections.

Tell your Podiatrist before having treatment if you:

  • have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks – you usually need to wait at least six weeks between injections
  • you’ve had three steroid injections in the last year – Podiatrists usually recommend no more than three injections in the same area in the space of 12 months
  • have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past
  • have an infection (including eye infections)
  • have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations
  • are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby
  • have any other conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or problems with your liver, heart or kidneys
  • are taking other medicines, such as anticoagulants

Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands found above the kidneys.

When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. This can help relieve pain and stiffness.