Expected Benefits
The aim of the injection is to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness, and to improve movement and function. Some patients experience significant improvement, while others may only have partial or short-term benefit. In some cases, the injection may not help.

The lidocaine may provide pain relief for a few hours after the injection. Once this wears off, the pain may return before the steroid begins to work.

Onset and Duration of Effect
The steroid effect is not usually immediate. Some people notice improvement within a few days, but it may take up to 1 to 2 weeks to feel the full benefit. The duration of benefit varies between patients and conditions. Relief may last from a few weeks to several months, but this cannot be guaranteed. The injection is intended to help symptoms but does not cure the underlying condition.

Important Risks and Side Effects
All procedures carry some risk. Serious complications are rare, but it is important that you understand the possible risks before giving consent.

Possible risks and side effects include:
Temporary pain or worsening of symptoms: Pain may become worse after the injection for a brief period. This is sometimes called a steroid flare. It can be uncomfortable and may last for a few days before settling.

Bruising or bleeding: Mild bruising or bleeding can occur at the injection site.

Infection: Infection is rare but can be serious. You must seek urgent medical advice if you develop increasing pain, swelling, redness, heat around the joint, fever, or feel generally unwell after the injection.

Allergic reaction: Rarely, patients may react to methylprednisolone, lidocaine, or another component of the injection.

Skin changes: There may be lightening or thinning of the skin, a small dent in the skin or soft tissue, or local fat thinning around the injection site.

Facial flushing: Some people experience warmth or flushing of the face, usually temporary.

Raised blood glucose: Steroid injections can temporarily increase blood glucose levels, especially in patients with diabetes. Patients with diabetes should monitor their glucose more closely after the injection.

Temporary blood pressure rise: Some patients may experience a temporary rise in blood pressure.

Menstrual changes: Steroid injections can occasionally cause temporary changes to menstrual bleeding patterns.

Tendon weakening or rupture: Repeated steroid injections near tendons may weaken the tendon and, rarely, contribute to tendon rupture.

Cartilage or joint changes: Repeated steroid injections into the same joint may contribute to worsening joint degeneration in some patients. For this reason, the number and frequency of injections should be limited and clinically justified.

No improvement: The injection may not relieve symptoms.

Absolute Contraindications
A steroid joint injection should not be performed if any of the following apply:

You have an infection in or around the area to be injected, including cellulitis or infected skin.

There is suspected or confirmed infection within the joint.

You are systemically unwell with an active infection.

You have a known allergy or previous serious reaction to Depo-Medrone (methylprednisolone), lidocaine, local anaesthetic, corticosteroids, or any component of the injection.

There is a fracture in the area requiring assessment or treatment.

The clinician assesses that the injection is not clinically appropriate or cannot be performed safely.

Before the Injection
Please attend with the joint or area easily accessible.

You should inform the clinician of your medical history, allergies and current medication.

Do not attend for the injection if you have an active infection, fever, feel acutely unwell, or have broken or infected skin around the injection site.

If you take blood-thinning medication, do not stop it unless you have been specifically advised to do so by an appropriate clinician.

If you have diabetes, ensure you have a plan for monitoring your glucose after the injection.

You may eat and drink normally before the procedure unless advised otherwise.

During the Procedure
The clinician will assess the area and confirm that the injection remains appropriate.

The skin will be cleaned. A needle will then be used to inject Depo-Medrone (methylprednisolone) and lidocaine into or around the affected joint or soft tissue area.

You may feel pressure, stinging or discomfort during the injection.

The procedure is usually brief.

After the Injection
You should rest the injected area for the remainder of the day where possible.

Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, high impact exercise or repetitive use of the injected joint for approximately 24 to 48 hours, unless advised otherwise.

You may use simple analgesia afterwards, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable for you.

Do not take ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory medicines if you have been advised to avoid them or if they are not safe for you.

An ice pack wrapped in a towel may help if the area is sore.

Do not apply ice directly to the skin.

It is common for the local anaesthetic to wear off after a few hours. Pain may then return or feel worse before the steroid begins to work. This should usually improve over the next few days.

Keep the injection site clean and dry on the day of the procedure.

Avoid applying creams or lotions directly over the injection site immediately afterwards.

When to Seek Medical Advice
Seek urgent medical advice if you develop:

Increasing pain that is severe or worsening rather than settling.

Increasing redness, swelling, heat or discharge from the injection site.

Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.

Significant reduction in movement of the joint.

New numbness, weakness or concerning symptoms.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, wheeze, widespread rash, dizziness or difficulty breathing.