Ultrasound-Guided Injections, Cardiff & South Wales
Consultant-performed. Every needle guided by live ultrasound. Steroid, hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid® and more, from £350 all-inclusive.
guided steroid injection
What's included for £350
- ✓Consultation with a Consultant Radiologist
- ✓Live ultrasound guidance from skin to target
- ✓The injection, medication and sterile equipment
- ✓Written report and aftercare advice
- ✓Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality and more accepted
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
every year
never "blind"
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Why choose Acorn
Consultant, not delegated
Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards sees you, scans you and performs the injection themselves.
Guided every time
Blind injections can miss the target up to 30% of the time. We watch the needle on live ultrasound.
Seen within 48 hours
No long wait for a pain clinic slot. Most appointments are booked within 48 hours of enquiry.
HIW regulated
Inspected by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, with GMC-registered consultants.
When the right injection, in the right place, at the right time, changes everything
Persistent joint, tendon or muscle pain doesn't have to mean months on a waiting list or major surgery. For most musculoskeletal conditions in South Wales, the fastest route from pain to function is a precisely placed injection, and at Acorn that's our most-performed treatment.
Our consultant radiologists deliver over 1,000 ultrasound-guided injections every year across the full range of indications: shoulder pain, knee osteoarthritis, tennis and golfer's elbow, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, hip bursitis, trochanteric pain, calcific tendinitis, Morton's neuroma, trigger finger, ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel symptoms and more.
Every injection is performed under direct ultrasound guidance. We see the needle going into exactly the right structure before we deliver the medication. This isn't optional or occasional; it's how we work. Research consistently shows ultrasound-guided injections are significantly more accurate than landmark-based (blind) injections and produce better clinical outcomes.
Our guided injections
Every price includes the consultant consultation, ultrasound guidance, the procedure, sterile equipment, a written report and aftercare advice. No hidden fees.
Steroid (Cortisone) Injection
Fast-acting anti-inflammatory injection for painful, inflamed joints, tendons, bursae or nerves. Our most-used injection, covering over 50 body areas.
Arthrosamid® Injection
One injection, 2–3 years of relief for knee osteoarthritis. A non-resorbable hydrogel that integrates with the joint lining. Starts with a free 10-minute Suitability Call.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Joint-lubricating gel for mild to moderate osteoarthritis. Mostly used in the knee, also hip, shoulder, ankle and small joints. A steroid-free option if you're diabetic.
Shoulder Hydrodilatation
Fluid and steroid injected into the shoulder capsule under ultrasound to stretch it and release adhesions. The standard non-surgical treatment for frozen shoulder.
Shoulder Barbotage
We break up and wash out calcium deposits in the rotator cuff under ultrasound, then inject steroid. Often clears calcific tendinitis for good.
High-Volume Achilles Injection
For chronic mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. Disrupts the small new vessels and nerves that drive long-term tendon pain, so your rehab can finally progress.
Nerve Block Injection
Local anaesthetic and steroid placed around a specific nerve to interrupt pain signals, e.g. the suprascapular nerve (shoulder), occipital nerve (headache) or Morton's neuroma (foot).
Plantar Fascia Injection + Ankle Block
Ultrasound-guided steroid for plantar fasciitis. An ankle block numbs the heel first, so the injection itself is comfortable. Most feel the difference within 1–2 weeks.
Please note: a referral is required for all injections. This can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant, or you can see one of our doctors first. Please email your referral to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment.
Considering Arthrosamid®? Start with a free 10-minute call.
Arthrosamid® is a single injection providing 2–3+ years of relief for knee osteoarthritis, and many patients use it to delay or avoid knee replacement surgery. It's an investment (£2,700), so we always start with a free Suitability Call to make sure it's right for you.
- 10-minute video or phone call with our consultant
- Review of your symptoms, scans and history
- An honest answer on whether Arthrosamid® is suitable
- No pressure, no obligation, completely free
If Arthrosamid® is right for you, the procedure is £2,700 all-inclusive, one of the UK's lower price points for the same Harley Street-level treatment.
When you need relief that lasts longer
For when steroid relief wears off too quickly, when you want to put off surgery, or when you'd rather use your body's own healing factors.
PRP Injection (Arthrex ACP)
Platelet-rich plasma from your own blood, delivering growth factors to damaged tendons, ligaments and early osteoarthritis. Given as a course of three.
PRP High-Dose (ACP Max)
12× the platelet concentration of standard ACP in a single injection. For more advanced osteoarthritis or stubborn tendinopathy where a higher dose may help.
Speak to a consultant first
Not sure which injection, or whether you need one at all? Dr Junaid will review your diagnosis and give you an honest plan, even if that plan is no injection.
Matched to the right injection
The most common reasons people book, and what we usually recommend.
Frozen shoulder
Stiff, painful shoulder, can't reach overhead
Shoulder hydrodilatation expands the capsule and releases adhesions. Most see improvement within 2–4 weeks.
Knee osteoarthritis
Persistent knee pain, stiffness, swelling
Hyaluronic acid (6–12 months) or Arthrosamid® (2–3+ years). We'll talk through which suits you.
Tennis / golfer's elbow
Outer or inner elbow pain, weak grip
Steroid injection placed at the tendon insertion. Most are back to sport in 2–3 weeks.
Plantar fasciitis
Sharp heel pain, worst first thing
Steroid + ankle block keeps the injection comfortable. Relief usually within 1–2 weeks.
Calcific tendinitis
Severe shoulder pain, calcium on scan
Shoulder barbotage needles and washes out the deposit, then steroid. Often resolves it entirely.
Achilles tendinopathy
Chronic back-of-heel pain
High-volume Achilles injection of saline and steroid at the tendon-fat interface.
Not your condition? See everything we treat or call to discuss your case.
From everyday aches to specialist conditions
Tap a condition to read more about its scan, diagnosis and treatment.
Where does it hurt?
Each page covers the scan, the likely diagnosis and your treatment options.
From booking to better
Book
Choose your injection online, or call if you're unsure. Most slots within 48 hours at Penarth.
Meet your consultant
A short chat and a scan of the area to confirm the injection is the right call.
The injection (10–15 mins)
Local anaesthetic where needed, then the needle is guided on live ultrasound to the exact spot.
Aftercare
Written report and aftercare advice, with a phone follow-up where needed. Most patients drive home.
What makes our injection clinic different
Always ultrasound-guided
Research shows blind (landmark-based) injections miss the target up to 30% of the time. We don't do blind. Every needle is tracked on live ultrasound from skin to target, so the medication goes exactly where it should.
Consultant radiologist
Your injection is performed by Dr Syed Junaid or Dr Huw Edwards, NHS consultant radiologists with specialist MSK expertise. Not delegated to a sonographer, technician or visiting clinician. Meet our consultants.
Volume builds judgement
1,000+ injections a year means we've seen the unusual presentations, the tricky anatomy and the unexpected findings. Volume is one of the most reliable predictors of clinical judgement, and it shapes every decision we make.
Same-visit scan + injection
If your diagnostic ultrasound identifies something we can treat (bursitis, effusion, tendinopathy), we can usually inject the same visit. One appointment, one fee, one trip. Our ultrasound service.
Honest selection
We won't recommend an injection that's unlikely to help you. If a steroid is the wrong answer, we'll say so. If you're best off with physiotherapy, we'll say that. Our reputation depends on telling you the truth, not selling you a procedure.
Surgical follow-on if needed
When injection isn't the right answer or has run its course, we have a network of consultant surgeons in hand, orthopaedics and other specialties who can take over. Continuity of care from consultation to follow-up.
What our patients say
Was seen by Pretesh who referred me for an ultrasound and then injection using ultrasound of my tendon with Dr Junaid. Was really scared at first as I am dead scared of needles but Dr Junaid was very good and skilled. Pain is now much better.
I got in touch re pain in my foot, and after having insoles in my shoes and then a scan, followed by a cortisone injection, my pain has now gone! All within weeks!
I was given an almost immediate appointment with clear guidance. Dr Syed conversed with me in a reassuring manner. I left with excellent aftercare advice. The next day I am completely pain free!
Injections at our Penarth clinic
Patients travel to us from Cardiff, Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Cowbridge, Swansea, the Vale and Bristol.
Common questions about injection therapy
How much does a joint injection cost in Cardiff?
An ultrasound-guided steroid injection at Acorn is £350 all-inclusive. Hyaluronic acid, high-volume Achilles, shoulder hydrodilatation, shoulder barbotage, plantar fascia with ankle block and the steroid + HA combination are £399 each. PRP is £500 for a course of three, PRP Max is £1,500 and Arthrosamid® is £2,700. Every price includes the consultation, ultrasound guidance, procedure, report and aftercare.
What is injection therapy?
Injection therapy uses targeted injections to treat painful joints, tendons, ligaments and soft tissues. At Acorn every injection is ultrasound-guided and performed by a consultant radiologist, so the medication reaches the exact structure that's causing the pain.
The main options are corticosteroid (for inflammation), hyaluronic acid (joint lubrication), platelet-rich plasma (tendon and cartilage repair) and Arthrosamid® (long-lasting knee osteoarthritis relief).
What types of injections do you offer?
- Steroid (cortisone), £350, for inflammatory joint, tendon and bursa pain
- Two steroid injections, same visit, £650
- Hyaluronic acid, £399, for osteoarthritis (steroid-free for diabetics)
- Steroid + hyaluronic acid combo, £399
- Plantar fascia with ankle block, £399
- High-volume Achilles, £399, for chronic Achilles tendinopathy
- Shoulder hydrodilatation, £399, for frozen shoulder
- Shoulder barbotage, £399, for calcific tendinitis
- PRP (Arthrex ACP), £500 for a course of 3
- PRP High-Dose (ACP Max), £1,500 single injection
- Arthrosamid®, £2,700, for knee osteoarthritis
- Nerve blocks, from £350
Are injections at Acorn ultrasound-guided?
Yes, every joint and soft-tissue injection. Research shows landmark-based ("blind") injections can miss the target in up to 30% of cases. With ultrasound we watch the needle reach the bursa, joint or tendon sheath in real time before any medication goes in.
How quickly will I feel relief?
- Steroid: some improvement in 3–7 days, full effect by 2 weeks, usually lasting 3–6 months.
- Hyaluronic acid: builds over 4–6 weeks, lasting 6–12 months.
- PRP: slower onset (4–6 weeks), often lasting 6–12+ months.
- Arthrosamid®: improves over 4–12 weeks, lasting 2–3+ years.
- Hydrodilatation: better shoulder movement within 2–4 weeks.
Are injections painful?
Most people find them briefly uncomfortable rather than painful. We use local anaesthetic where appropriate, and because we can see the target there's no "feeling around" with the needle. The whole procedure takes 10–15 minutes, the injection itself usually under a minute. Some areas, like the shoulder capsule and AC joint, are more sensitive, and we'll tell you what to expect beforehand.
Who performs the injections?
Consultant radiologists with specialist musculoskeletal ultrasound expertise, mainly Dr Syed Junaid (Medical Director) and Dr Huw Edwards, both with extensive NHS consultant experience. Your injection is never delegated to a sonographer, nurse or visiting clinician.
Do I need a referral?
Yes, a referral is required for all injections. It can come from your GP, physiotherapist, podiatrist or consultant. Please email it to contact@acornprivateclinic.co.uk before your appointment. No referral? Book a £120 consultation with one of our doctors first; if an injection is right for you and you have it the same day, the fee is credited. Arthrosamid® starts with a free 10-minute Suitability Call.
Can I have a scan and an injection at the same visit?
Usually, yes. If your diagnostic ultrasound shows something that would respond to an injection, such as shoulder bursitis, a knee effusion or a tendon problem, we can often treat it in the same appointment. Mention at booking that you'd like that option.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz. Get an authorisation code from your insurer and bring it along, or use our insurance enquiry form and we'll guide you through it.
What if the injection doesn't work?
Not every injection works for everyone. Success rates are typically 70–85% for steroid in straightforward cases, lower in advanced disease. If you don't get enough relief, we'll discuss the alternatives: a different injection (hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid® for the knee), a nerve block, or referral to a surgical colleague.
Are there side effects?
- Soreness at the site for 1–3 days (common)
- Steroid flare, a short-lived increase in pain (~5%, settles in 24–48 hours)
- Facial flushing (~3%, settles in 24–48 hours)
- Poor sleep for 1–3 days after steroid
- Raised blood sugar for a few days in diabetics (steroid only)
- Infection, very rare (under 1 in 10,000) with sterile technique
- Skin lightening or fat thinning, rare and mainly with superficial injections
How often can I have steroid injections?
We recommend no more than 3 per joint per year, at least 3 months apart. If you need them more often, steroid probably isn't the right long-term plan, and we'll talk about hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid® or a surgical opinion.
Where do you do the injections?
All injection procedures take place at our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, CF64 2AD), where our procedure room is. It's 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free street parking. Some consultations are available at our Cowbridge clinic.
Ready to stop the pain?
Consultant-performed, ultrasound-guided injections with most appointments within 48 hours. Self-pay from £350 all-inclusive, or use your insurance.
Still not sure? Start with a £120 consultation.
We'll examine you, scan if needed and recommend the right treatment. Book your injection the same day and the £120 is credited against it.
Book a consultation