Steroid Injections for Foot Pain

What is a steroid injection?

A steroid injection is an injection of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid and is used to treat a variety of conditions.

Your foot and ankle are composed of numerous bones, ligaments and muscles. The ligaments (fibrous connective tissue) connect bones and hold joints together. Foot and ankle joints and surrounding structures can deteriorate, become injured, or become inflamed (swollen), resulting in pain.

Injections of corticosteroids can be used to treat painful, swollen joints and soft tissues, reduce inflammation and swelling.

How are steroid injections administered?

They are only administered by medical professionals. Podiatrists qualified to inject steroids can administer them in joints and soft tissues of the foot and ankle to treat various inflammatory and degenerative conditions.

What kind of conditions are treated with steroid injections?

In podiatry, they are used to treat arthritic painful joints, chronic plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, Achilles tendinopathy, Morton’s neuroma, Sinus tarsi syndrome and Tarsal Tunnel syndrome.

Are steroid injections painful?

A steroid injection does cause a certain amount of pain at the time but we use local anaesthetic just prior to injecting the steroid which dilutes the steroid to spread it more evenly in the area injected and importantly relieves any post operative pain.

The local anaesthetic injection provides pain relief for a few hours post operatively, whereas the injected steroids may take between 48 hours and two weeks to take effect. Remember this information when considering the advantages of a foot or ankle injection.

After your injection you will need a lift home as driving with an anaesthetised foot will invalidate your insurance.  You will need to rest for 48 hours post operatively and depending upon the site injected you may need to wear a special boot or avoid exercise for 2 weeks.

What are the benefits of a steroid injection?

They can keep you comfortable.

Steroid injections can be incredibly helpful in reducing symptoms, improving your ability to function and remain active.

They can also delay the need for surgery.

Who can have a steroid injection?

Most individuals can receive steroid injections. However, they may not be appropriate in the following cases:

• If you have diabetes and your blood glucose level is not well controlled a steroid injection is not advised but just having diabetes does not preclude you from having a steroid injection. All people with diabetes are advised to monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently in the 24-48 hours following an injection of steroids, as this can affect blood sugar levels.
• If you have recently received a steroid injection, you should wait at least six weeks before having another.
• If you have received three steroid injections within the past year at that site: we typically recommend no more than three injections in the same area within a 12-month period.
• If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to steroids.
• If you have a current infection (including eye infection)
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you have had or plan to have flu or covid vaccinations. We ask that you do not have your vaccination 2 weeks prior to or post injection
• If you are have a clotting disorder or are taking anticoagulant medicines further information or blood tests may be required before we can determine if you are suitable for injection.

What are the risks associated with a steroid injection?

There are some risks associated with steroid injections but these are very minor compared to long term steroid use. They will be considered and discussed in detail with any patients looking to have a steroid injection at the clinic.