Ultrasound Guided Steroid Injections for Arthiritis & Knee Pain

At The West London Knee & Hip Clinic, our consultant-led team offers steroid knee injections as an effective treatment for managing joint pain, inflammation and stiffness caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. 
 
Steroid (cortisone) knee injections are a well-established option for patients looking to avoid or delay surgery and achieve pain relief quickly. 

Struggling with knee pain?

Book a consultation at our Mayfair, Chiswick, Earl’s Court or Brentford clinic to discuss whether a steroid injection could help you move more comfortably. 

How Steroid Knee Injections Work

Steroid injections, sometimes called cortisone injections, use corticosteroid medicine to reduce inflammation within the affected joint. When injected directly into the knee joint, they can help control swelling, ease pain and improve mobility. 

We perform all knee joint injections under ultrasound guidance and with local anaesthetic to ensure precise delivery and maximum comfort. 

Treatment Benefits

Benefits of Steroid Knee Injections

  • Quick reduction of inflammation and swelling
  • Significant pain relief within a few days
  • Can restore movement and allow you to continue physiotherapy
  • May reduce the need for stronger painkillers or other medicines

For many patients, steroid knee injections form part of a comprehensive treatment plan that can include physiotherapy and other injections such as hyaluronic acid or PRP. 

Is This Procedure Right for You?

Steroid knee injections are a common treatment for: 
Osteoarthritis flare-ups 
 

  • Rheumatoid arthritis inflammation 
  • Bursitis around the knee 
  • Persistent pain not fully controlled by tablets or other treatments 
     
    Your specialist knee surgeon will advise if an articular injection is the best next step or if other treatments should be considered first. 

The Procedure: What to Expect

Your steroid injection will take place in our clinic as an outpatient procedure: 

  • Your doctor will clean the skin and apply local anaesthetic to numb the injection site.
  • Using ultrasound guidance, the steroid medicine is injected into the knee joint.
  • The whole procedure usually takes under 20 minutes and you can go home shortly afterwards. The whole procedure usually takes under 20 minutes and you can go home shortly afterwards.

Some patients feel brief discomfort during the injection, but this settles quickly. 

Pain Relief and Recovery

Many patients feel improvement in pain and stiffness within 48 hours, with peak benefit at around one to two weeks. Relief can last from several weeks to a few months, depending on your condition. 
 
Steroid injections can be repeated if needed, but your consultant will limit the number each year to reduce the risk of side effects. 

Possible Side Effects and Risks

Knee injections are safe and well tolerated for most patients. However, as with any medical procedure, there are some risks and common side effects to be aware of: 
 

  • Mild pain or bruising at the injection site
  • Temporary flare-up of pain in the first 24–48 hours
  • Rare risk of infection in the joint
  • Rare allergic reaction to the local anaesthetic or steroid medicine
  • Repeated injections may, over time, weaken cartilage — this is why careful medical advice is essential 
     

Steroid injections are not anabolic steroids used for muscle building. They are anti-inflammatory medicines designed to treat joint pain. 

How Steroid Injections Compare to Other Treatments

Steroid knee injections provide rapid inflammation control, while treatments like hyaluronic acid or Arthrosamid may offer longer-lasting cushioning effects for knee osteoarthritis. 
 
Your consultant will discuss whether a cortisone injection, hyaluronic acid, PRP, or another approach is best for your knee pain and overall health. 
 

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Knee Injections Patient

Ms Boulter

Booking Your First Injection

At The West London Knee & Hip Clinic, all knee joint injections are performed by experienced specialists, using ultrasound for accuracy and local anaesthetic for comfort. The cost for an ultrasound-guided steroid injection into the knee is £500. 
 
We offer appointments at our Mayfair, Chiswick, Earl’s Court and Brentford locations. If you are struggling with persistent knee pain and would like to discuss whether a steroid injection might help, book a consultation with our team today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients considering Arthrosamid® want to understand what to expect before treatment. Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked in clinic:

Most patients feel some pain relief within 48 hours. Maximum benefit is usually felt after one to two weeks. 

Relief can last from a few weeks up to several months, depending on your condition and how your knee responds.  

To reduce the risk of side effects, we typically recommend no more than 3 to 4 steroid injections per joint per year. 

Yes, they are safe when performed by a specialist using ultrasound guidance. Minor side effects like temporary pain at the injection site are common but usually mild. 

Rest the knee for 24–48 hours and avoid strenuous activities. You can usually return to light daily activities shortly after.  

Steroid injections reduce inflammation but do not cure arthritis. Many patients combine them with physiotherapy and other treatments for longer-term results. 

Possible risks include infection (rare), allergic reaction, temporary flare-up of pain, and with frequent injections, potential cartilage weakening. Your consultant will discuss this with you. 

Yes, but if a local anaesthetic was used, your knee may feel numb for a short time. Arrange for someone to drive you if you feel unsteady. 

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Real patient experiences of ultrasound-guided injections and specialist care, reflecting the reassurance, precision and outcomes you can expect at every stage of your treatment.