Musculoskeletal (MSK) Service
You have been given an injection today to try and help reduce pain and swelling you are experiencing from the joint or soft tissue. The injection consisted of corticosteroid which reduces inflammation and may have also included a local anaesthetic that provides temporary numbing to the area.
You may experience more discomfort for up to 48 hours after this procedure. We suggest you rest the area and use your usual pain relief medication as prescribed during this time or speak to your pharmacist about some over the counter pain relief.
Improvement from symptoms can occur in the first few days but can take significantly longer.
If you are diabetic, you need to take extra care monitoring your sugar levels for the next few days as the corticosteroid can affect your normal control.
Women may experience some irregularity of the menstrual cycle following corticosteroid injection. If you are post-menopausal and a bleed occurs consult your GP.
There is a low risk of skin changes (de-pigmentation) and a wasting of the fatty tissue around the injection area.
Some patients experience facial flushing, do not worry as this usually subsides within a day or two.
Steroids can also occasionally cause changes in people’s mood. They may make you feel very low and this may be more likely if you have history of mood disturbance.
There is a low risk of local infection at the injection site. If the area becomes swollen, hot and painful please seek urgent medical attention or contact your GP.
Corticosteroids can also temporarily lower immunity making you more susceptible of systemic infection which can be either viral (COVID-19, influenza) of bacteria (sepsis).
These are the drugs that you have received in your injection today.
| Steroid: | Local Anaesthetic: |
| Dose: | Dose: |
| Administered by: |
If you require further information please contact us on:
Telephone: 01609 763787 or 01609 763788
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the Patient Experience Department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print.
T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]