Injections

Steroid injections during the COVID-19 pandemic

The injection of steroid suppresses the immune system. Ordinarily, the risks associated with this are so low, that the benefits are considered to outweigh this risk. However, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, steroid injection may reduce an individual's ability to cope with a COVID infection. Therefore an injection must only be considered as the last resort, where symptoms are causing high levels of pain and disability, the symptoms are not controlled with painkillers and exercise, and continuation of the symptoms will have a significant negative effect on the patient's health and wellbeing.

There is an injection clinic most weeks. Typically this will be steroid and local anaesthetic injections for arthritic or inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder impingement, greater trochanteric pain syndrome or tennis and golfers elbows, although this list is not exhaustive.

If your doctor thinks that an injection might help your condition, then they will suggest this to you, and an appointment can be made for the injection clinic. If you have previously received an injection and the doctor advised you that this could be repeated after a period of time (typically four months), then you can simply ask for an appointment in the clinic. Each joint requires its own appointment - i.e. if you need both knees injecting you will need a double-appointment, please remember to inform the Care Navigator making your appointment.