Guided Injections

Injection therapy can be a a quick and effective adjunct treatment for a variety of foot problems such as:

Plantar fasciitis
Osteoarthritis
Sinus tarsi syndrome
Morton's neuroma

Whilst rarely used in isolation, they work well alongside other treatments such as strength work, joint mobilisations, orthotic therapy, shoe changes and taping. They will not resolve the cause of your symptoms but can very effective at reducing pain and improving function. This can then, in turn, increase the success of your existing treatment plan.

Injections are not typically offered at an initial appointment. We will first discuss your foot pain and all treatment options available. Sometimes an x-ray is needed to confirm the diagnosis. Whilst injections are safe and regularly used, we will need to talk through the risks and benefits.

Corticosteroid injections can be a quick and effective treatment for foot pain. They reduce inflammation and, when injected, work very locally. They start to work within a few hours and the relief can last a month. While it is possible to repeat the injection, there is a limit to how many you can have. Click here for a useful information leaflet produced by Versus Arthritis, or ask your podiatrist.

Ostenil injections are an alternative for some problems. They have fewer risks and side effects than steroid injections. It contains sodium hyaluronate, which is a componant of synovial fluid. It lubricates the joint and improves shock absorbtion. Injecting it around a painful tendon will allow it to move more freely. Click here or ask your podiatrist for more information.

Things to know about injection therapy at Penn Farm Podiatry:

Making your injection comfortable is our priority. Local anaesthetic is routinely used for most injections, especially for heel pain.
You will probably be unable to drive home afterwards.
You will need to take it easy, especially after a steroid injection (you will be advised to gradually build up to normal activity levels for up to 10 days, depending on your injection type).

Ultrasound guided injections