Joint pain from arthritis, inflammation, or injury can make everyday movement difficult and limit your quality of life. Steroid injections—also known as corticosteroid injections—are a proven, non-surgical treatment to relieve pain and swelling in the hip, knee, foot, or ankle.

Mr. Turab Syed, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in lower limb and foot & ankle surgery, provides steroid injections at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. These injections are often used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physiotherapy, medication, or lifestyle modification.

What are steroid injections?

Steroid injections contain corticosteroid medication, which mimics natural hormones produced by your body to reduce inflammation. When injected directly into a painful joint, they can quickly reduce swelling and stiffness, often providing relief within days.

The injections may also include a local anaesthetic to provide immediate, short-term pain relief.

Steroid injections are commonly used to treat:

• Osteoarthritis in the hip, knee, ankle, or foot.
• Tendon inflammation (such as Achilles tendinitis or plantar fasciitis).
• Bursitis or impingement around the ankle or hip.
• Post-injury inflammation causing pain or stiffness.

Who can benefit from steroid injections?

Steroid injections may be recommended if you:

• Experience ongoing joint pain and swelling that limits activity.
• Have arthritis or tendon inflammation not responding to medication or physiotherapy.
• Want to delay surgery or maintain mobility during treatment planning.

Mr. Syed will assess your condition and imaging (X-rays or MRI) to ensure steroid injections are appropriate and safe for your specific needs.

Steroid injections in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-procedure preparation

Before treatment, Mr. Syed and his team ensure a complete understanding of your condition and medical history. Preparation includes:

• A detailed consultation to discuss the benefits and possible side effects.
• Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to locate the precise injection site.
• Advice on medications and aftercare.

The procedure itself

The injection is a quick outpatient procedure, usually completed within 15–30 minutes.

• The skin is cleaned and numbed using a local anaesthetic.
• Under ultrasound or X-ray guidance, Mr. Syed injects the corticosteroid precisely into the affected joint or soft tissue.
• You can usually go home shortly after the procedure.

Steroid injections are performed at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – modern, well-equipped facilities for outpatient orthopaedic care.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – providing expert, consultant-led treatment in a private setting.

Both clinics are easily accessible for patients from Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas.

Recovery and aftercare

Most patients can resume light activities immediately after the injection. However, you may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours. Relief typically begins within a few days and may last for several weeks or even months, depending on the condition and joint treated.

Recovery tips:

• Avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours.
• Use ice packs for mild swelling or tenderness.
• Continue physiotherapy if advised by Mr. Syed.

Steroid injections can be repeated, though Mr. Syed will carefully time and limit the number to ensure joint health is preserved.

Risks and complications

Steroid injections are generally very safe, but as with any procedure, there are some risks, including:

• Temporary pain or swelling after injection (“steroid flare”).
• Skin thinning or colour change at the injection site.
• Rare risk of infection.
• Temporary rise in blood sugar levels (particularly in diabetic patients).

Mr. Syed performs all injections using sterile, image-guided techniques to maximise accuracy and minimise risk.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Fellowship-trained orthopaedic consultant specialising in hip, knee, foot, and ankle conditions.
• Ultrasound and X-ray guided injections for maximum precision.
• Evidence-based, personalised care tailored to your needs and goals.
• Convenient private hospitals in Stirling and Hamilton with expert nursing and aftercare support.

FAQs

How soon will I feel relief after a steroid injection?
Most patients notice improvement within 2–5 days, though this can vary by joint and individual response.

How long do steroid injections last?
Pain relief can last from several weeks to several months, depending on your condition and activity level.

How many steroid injections can I have?
Typically, no more than 3 injections per joint per year are recommended to protect joint tissue.

Can I drive after my injection?
Yes, in most cases you can drive immediately after the procedure unless advised otherwise.

Book your consultation

If joint pain in your hip, knee, foot, or ankle is limiting your movement or comfort, steroid injections with Mr. Turab Syed could provide the relief you need.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to explore your treatment options.