London Cartilage Clinic IconLondon Cartilage Clinic66 Harley Street
Clinician preparing injection in clinical setting

Steroid Injection

From £900
View Price List

Guide price only. Final cost is confirmed after assessment.

A corticosteroid injection delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory directly into the affected joint or soft tissue. It is one of the most established treatments in orthopaedics for managing acute pain, reducing swelling, and restoring movement. At London Cartilage Clinic, every steroid injection is performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and maximise clinical benefit.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation
Prof Paul LeeReviewed byProf Paul LeeLast reviewed 1 May 2026
Close-up of syringe preparation for joint injection

How steroid injections work inside the joint

Corticosteroids reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune response within the joint. This lowers swelling, eases pressure on surrounding structures, and interrupts the pain cycle that restricts movement.

  • Rapid reduction in joint swelling and associated pain.
  • Creates a treatment window for physiotherapy and rehabilitation to take hold.
  • Can be combined with aspiration to drain excess fluid from the joint at the same time.

Steroid injections are often the first step in a broader treatment plan. By controlling inflammation early, we can assess the joint more accurately and guide you toward the right longer-term approach.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation

Why choose London Cartilage Clinic for steroid injections

A steroid injection is only as effective as the accuracy with which it is delivered. At London Cartilage Clinic, every injection is performed under real-time ultrasound guidance by a specialist with over 15 years of experience.

  • Ultrasound-guided delivery for confirmed needle placement.
  • Same-day treatment with no hospital stay required.
  • Integrated with a wider treatment strategy, not used in isolation.

We view steroid injections as a clinical tool within a structured plan. If your condition requires more than symptom control, we will discuss the full range of options available to you.

Free Discovery CallBook a Consultation
Clinician performing ultrasound-guided knee injection

You may have more options than you think

Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told

At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.

Preserve

Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.

Repair

Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.

Regenerate

Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.

Replace

When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.

This treatment can be applied across multiple joints. Select yours to see the full range of options we offer, organised by clinical approach.

Explore All Treatment Options
consulting-in-office-with-pen

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does a steroid injection work?

Most patients notice a reduction in pain and swelling within 24 to 72 hours. The full effect typically develops over the first week. Some patients feel immediate relief due to the local anaesthetic given alongside the steroid.

How long does the relief from a steroid injection last?

The duration varies depending on the joint and the underlying condition. Many patients experience relief for several weeks to a few months. In some cases a single injection is enough to create a window for physiotherapy to take effect. Your specialist will discuss realistic expectations based on your diagnosis.

Are there limits on how many steroid injections I can have?

Repeated steroid injections into the same joint are generally limited because long-term use can affect cartilage and soft tissue quality. At London Cartilage Clinic, we use steroid injections strategically and will recommend alternative treatments if ongoing management is needed.

Why is ultrasound guidance important for steroid injections?

Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to see the needle entering the joint in real time, ensuring the steroid is delivered precisely where it is needed. This improves accuracy, reduces the risk of injecting into surrounding tissues, and leads to better outcomes compared with landmark-guided injections.

What joints can be treated with a steroid injection?

Steroid injections can be used across virtually all joints, including the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, elbow, wrist, hand, and foot. They are also used for soft tissue conditions such as bursitis and tendon sheath inflammation.

Still have more specific concerns?

Free Discovery Call

London Cartilage Clinic

Latest Insights

Clinical updates, cartilage treatment guidance, and recovery-focused articles from our specialist team.

Figure Four Stretch Benefits and Technique for Hip Health
Eleanor Hayes

Figure Four Stretch Benefits and Technique for Hip Health

The figure four stretch, endorsed by Professor Paul Lee and the London Cartilage Clinic, is a simple yet effective exercise that improves hip mobility, reduces lower back tension, and enhances flexibility. Originating from yoga, it targets key hip muscles like the piriformis and gluteus maximus, benefiting office workers, athletes, and those with sciatica by easing pressure on the sciatic nerve. Performable lying or seated, this stretch supports musculoskeletal health and can be adapted for varying mobility levels. Experts emphasize safe practice and tailored advice to maximize benefits and prevent injury. Incorporating the figure four stretch into daily routines promotes hip flexibility and overall joint health, making it a valuable tool in rehabilitation and fitness.

Read More
Advanced Cartilage Regeneration Gels Transforming Knee Joint Health
Eleanor Hayes

Advanced Cartilage Regeneration Gels Transforming Knee Joint Health

Knee cartilage damage impairs mobility and quality of life, with limited natural healing. Recent advances in gel-based therapies—including peptide and protein hydrogels—offer promising cartilage regeneration by mimicking natural tissue and stimulating chondrocyte growth. Unlike traditional injections that relieve symptoms, these next-generation gels actively promote healthy cartilage repair through minimally invasive injections. Clinical studies demonstrate significant improvements in pain and function, showcasing better outcomes than conventional treatments. Expert-led centers combine these innovative therapies with rehabilitation for optimal recovery. While patient responses vary, ongoing research aims to refine personalized approaches and long-term effectiveness. These advances provide hopeful new options for managing knee cartilage injuries beyond symptom management.

Read More
ACL Tear Symptoms and Treatment Importance
Eleanor Hayes

ACL Tear Symptoms and Treatment Importance

An ACL tear is a common knee injury, especially in sports involving sudden stops and pivots, causing sharp pain, a popping sound, and knee instability. The anterior cruciate ligament stabilizes the knee by controlling shin movement and preventing excessive twisting. Immediate symptoms include swelling and difficulty bearing weight, while diagnosis typically requires MRI imaging to confirm the ligament damage. Proper medical evaluation and expert care, such as at the London Cartilage Clinic, are crucial for tailored treatment and recovery. Understanding ACL tear symptoms and causes helps in timely intervention and preventing further injury.

Read More
View all insights
Privacy & Cookies Policy