Are you experiencing pain in your foot and/or ankle that isn’t responding well to conservative treatment?
A cortisone injection may be an adjunct treatment option for you consider…
What is a cortisone injection? A cortisone injection is a type of corticosteroid which mimics your bodies natural anti-inflammatory hormones reducing inflammation, pain and swelling at the site of administration. Cortisone injection may provide you short-to-medium pain relief for a wide range of inflammatory foot and ankle complaints such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Bursitis
- Sesamoiditis
- Synovitis
- Capsulitis
- Plantar Plate Tears
- Sinus Tarsi Syndrome
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Posterior tibial tendonitis
What does a cortisone injection do?
There are different types of cortisone which have varied durations of action. Your GP will make a prescription appropriate to your presenting condition which can then be then administered by your Podiatrist. Typically a long-duration cortisone will be prescribed which will take effect within several weeks and last between 1-9 months, depending on your condition and the severity of it. During the period of cortisone effect it is important to continue your rehabilitation program to prevent reoccurrence of pain as cortisone effect progressively fades.
What happens during a cortisone injection?
Your Podiatrist will review the painful areas, GP prescription and any correspondence, if you have any concerns these will be discussed. Local anesthetic will be administered prior or with the cortisone to provide immediate pain relief. You may feel some pressure during administration which typically fades quickly as local anesthetic takes effect.
How many injections are required?
Your Podiatrist will discuss with you the most beneficial treatment plan based on your injury. Often it will be guided by your response to the first injection and your injury or condition. Sometimes one injection is enough while other times multiple injections spaced weeks or months apart can be appropriate. Typically you will see your Podiatrist 2 weeks after cortisone injection to review progress and plan further care.
Risk of a cortisone injection?
Every procedure has associated risks. Potential side effects of cortisone injection include infection, bruising or reaction to the substance (eg. anaesthetic, corticosteroid). To reduce risk of complications we take great care by using sterile equipment, aseptic technique and injecting well below your safe maximum dose of local anaesthetic.
Where and how can I get a foot or ankle cortisone injection?
For further information regarding cortisone injections, our Podiatrist (Evan) and your GP can discuss which option will best suit you, for further information phone 02 5926 3806
