Steroid (Cortisone) Injection, Cardiff & South Wales

A steroid (cortisone) injection at Acorn costs £350 all-inclusive. That covers the consultation, a diagnostic ultrasound of the area, the ultrasound-guided injection, medication, sterile equipment, a written report and aftercare advice. Two injections in the same visit are £650, a plantar fascia injection with ankle block is £399, and a combined steroid and hyaluronic acid injection is £399.

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, and bring any recent scan reports with you. No referral? Book a £120 consultation with one of our doctors first, and if an injection is right for you the fee is credited when you have it the same day.

Most people notice some improvement within 3–7 days, with the full effect by about 2 weeks. The local anaesthetic mixed in with the steroid can ease pain within minutes, but that wears off after a few hours, so don't worry if the pain returns briefly on the first evening.

Typically 3–6 months, though it varies with the condition and how the area is used afterwards. For some problems, such as a bursitis or trigger finger, one injection combined with rehab can settle things for good.

Most people describe it as briefly uncomfortable rather than painful. Because we can see the target on ultrasound there's no probing about with the needle, and the injection itself takes under a minute. Some areas, like the AC joint and heel, are more sensitive; for plantar fascia injections we numb the heel first with an ankle block.

Landmark-based (blind) injections can miss the target in up to 30% of cases. With live ultrasound we watch the needle reach the joint, bursa or tendon sheath before any medication goes in, which gives the injection the best chance of working. Some injections, like small foot joints and nerve blocks, can only be done safely with ultrasound.

Side effects are uncommon. The most likely are soreness for 1–3 days and a short-lived steroid flare (around 5%). Some people get facial flushing, a few nights of poor sleep, or, if diabetic, raised blood sugar for a few days. Infection is very rare (under 1 in 10,000). Skin lightening or thinning of fat under the skin can happen, mainly with injections close to the surface.

Usually, yes. Steroid can raise blood sugar for a few days, so check your levels more often afterwards and let your diabetes team know if readings stay high. If that's a concern, a steroid-free hyaluronic acid injection may suit you better for arthritic joints.

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 answer, and we'll talk about hyaluronic acid, PRP, Arthrosamid® for the knee, or a surgical opinion.

Most people can. If you're having an injection in your right leg or foot, a nerve block, or a hip injection, it's sensible to bring someone to drive you, as the local anaesthetic can leave the area numb for a few hours.

Rest the area from heavy or repetitive use for 48 hours, then build back up gradually. Normal daily activity is fine. Avoid swimming and hot tubs for 48 hours. If you're having physio, carry on with your programme once the first couple of days have passed.

Yes. The £350 includes a diagnostic ultrasound of the area being injected, so the consultant can confirm what's going on before injecting. If the scan shows the injection isn't the right treatment, we'll tell you and discuss the alternatives.

Yes. We accept Bupa, AXA Health, WPA, Vitality, Aviva, Cigna, Healix, Saga and Allianz. Get an authorisation code from your insurer and bring it with you, or use our insurance enquiry form.

All steroid injections are performed at our Penarth clinic (13 Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, CF64 2AD), 10 minutes from Cardiff city centre with free street parking. Patients come from across South Wales, including Newport, Bridgend, Barry, Caerphilly, Cowbridge and Swansea.