Hand steroid injection.
A targeted cortisone injection that can settle hand pain — often without surgery. For trigger finger, thumb-base arthritis, De Quervain's and more, given in the same visit as your consultation by Consultant Hand Surgeon Mr Angus Maclean FRCS. Quick, no incision, no downtime.
Could an injection settle it?
A steroid (cortisone) injection calms the inflammation behind many painful hand and wrist problems. It often helps with:
- Trigger finger — a finger that clicks, catches or locks
- Thumb-base arthritis — pain and weakness at the base of the thumb
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis — pain on the thumb side of the wrist
- Early or mild carpal tunnel — tingling and night-time symptoms
- Inflamed tendons or joints in the hand and wrist
- Not sure what it is? An assessment comes first
An injection can give months of relief. For some people it resolves the problem for good; for others it buys time or confirms that surgery is the better answer. Your surgeon will be honest about what to expect for your hand.
All-inclusive fixed pricing.
Every price includes the consultant surgeon and the treatment given. No hidden fees.
Consultation
Clinical assessment with Mr Maclean to confirm the diagnosis and the right treatment. No injection given.
Book consultationConsultation & steroid injection
Assessment and a targeted steroid injection in the same visit. The all-in price — no separate injection fee.
Book consultationFollow-up appointment
A review once the injection has had time to work, with a clear plan if you need anything further.
Book consultationInsurance accepted: Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga, Allianz. We'll help with your pre-authorisation paperwork.
The simplest step first.
For many hand problems an injection is the sensible first move. If it doesn't settle things, surgery is straightforward and we'll talk you through it.
Given by a Consultant Hand Surgeon.
Not delegated. Not rushed. The surgeon who assesses your hand is the one who gives the injection.
Mr Angus Maclean
Mr Maclean is a Consultant Hand Surgeon specialising in trigger finger, carpal tunnel release, thumb-base arthritis, Dupuytren's contracture, ganglion and cyst excision and complex hand surgery. He holds the European Hand Diploma in addition to his UK FRCS, and has performed many thousands of hand injections and procedures across NHS and private practice.
View full profileFrom booking to relief.
Assessed and treated in a single visit — you walk out and get on with your day.
Self-refer online
No GP referral needed. Book your consultation directly. We accept patients from across South Wales.
Consultation (£150)
Mr Maclean examines your hand, confirms the diagnosis, and checks a steroid injection is the right treatment for you.
The injection (£350 in total)
A targeted steroid injection, placed precisely by hand based on examination. A brief sting and it is done — no incision, no dressing.
Straight back to normal
No downtime. You drive yourself home and carry on with your day. Mild soreness for a day or two is normal.
Relief over a few days
The steroid usually starts working within 3 to 7 days, with the full effect by 2 to 6 weeks.
Review (FREE)
We check it has worked. If symptoms return, we discuss a repeat injection or surgery — honestly and without pressure.
What to expect afterwards.
Realistic expectations based on Mr Maclean's experience across many thousands of hand injections.
Mild soreness
As the local anaesthetic wears off, some ache at the injection site is normal. Paracetamol is usually enough.
Possible flare
A small number of people get a short-lived "steroid flare" — a temporary increase in pain that settles on its own.
It starts working
The steroid begins to calm the inflammation and symptoms ease. Keep using the hand normally.
Full effect
You should feel the full benefit of the injection by this point.
Lasting relief
Relief typically lasts several months and varies from person to person. Some people need no further treatment.
Next steps
A repeat injection or day-case surgery can be discussed. We'll always be honest about the best option for you.
The Acorn difference.
Award-winning private healthcare in South Wales. As seen on BBC.
Fast access
Most patients seen — and injected — within 1 week. Compare to NHS waiting times of 9-12+ months.
Consultant-led
Assessed and injected by Mr Angus Maclean FRCS, a Consultant Hand Surgeon — not delegated to a trainee.
All-inclusive pricing
£350 covers the consultation and the injection together. No separate injection fee, no surprise extras.
HIW regulated
Acorn Private Clinic is regulated by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales. Mr Maclean is registered with the General Medical Council.
Award-winning
Vale of Glamorgan Business of the Year — Professional Services. 4.9★ from 376 Google reviews. Featured by BBC.
Insurance accepted
Bupa, AXA, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna and more. We help with pre-authorisation paperwork at no extra cost.
What patients say.
Verified reviews from real Acorn Private Clinic patients.
I have experienced Acorn Private Clinic that maintains the highest standards of medical care based on their expert surgeons and excellent resources. You can expect everything a patient needs to get back to their best health.
Their nurses, clinicians, and support teams deliver exceptional patient care. They were with me every step of the way, tailoring the care around me and giving the peace of mind.
From a fantastic easy online booking service to the treatment itself — everyone was friendly and professional and I felt supported all the way through. I would highly recommend them.
Very professional clinic. I felt safe and looked after by the team. I travelled far to the clinic, and am very pleased I did.
Hand injection FAQs.
The questions patients ask most often before booking.
How much does a hand steroid injection cost in Cardiff?
A consultation with a steroid injection in the same visit costs £350. A consultation on its own is £150. Follow-up is FREE.
The £350 is all-inclusive — there is no separate injection fee.
Is the injection ultrasound guided?
No. For hand and finger conditions such as trigger finger, De Quervain's and thumb-base arthritis, the target is superficial and easily located, so an experienced Consultant Hand Surgeon gives the injection precisely by hand, based on examination — this is standard, reliable practice.
Ultrasound-guided injections are offered as a separate service for deeper joints elsewhere in the body. Ask us if that would suit you better.
What hand conditions can a steroid injection treat?
A steroid injection can settle trigger finger, thumb-base (basal joint) arthritis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis, early or mild carpal tunnel symptoms, and other inflamed tendons or joints in the hand and wrist.
Your surgeon confirms it is the right treatment at the consultation.
How quickly does it work, and how long does it last?
Most people notice improvement within 3 to 7 days, with the full effect by 2 to 6 weeks. Relief typically lasts several months and varies from person to person.
For some people it resolves the problem; others need a repeat injection or go on to surgery.
Does the injection hurt?
You feel a brief sting as it goes in. It takes only a minute or two, with no incision, dressing or downtime. Mild soreness for a day or two afterwards is normal.
What if the injection doesn't work?
Not every injection works for everyone. If symptoms return or don't settle, we discuss the options — which may include a repeat injection or day-case surgery such as trigger finger or carpal tunnel release. We are honest about what to expect.
Do I need a GP referral?
No GP referral is required. You can self-refer by booking a hand consultation online or by calling 029 2199 9300.
Does my health insurance cover it?
Yes. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz.
Contact your insurer for a pre-authorisation code before booking — we'll help with the paperwork at no extra cost.
Settle the pain — often without surgery.
Don't wait 12 months on the NHS. Book your consultation with Mr Maclean — most patients seen, and injected, within 1 week.