Cortisone Injections

What are Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone injections are a commonly used treatment to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the foot and ankle. Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid medication that works by calming inflammation in irritated joints, soft tissues, or around tendons.

When inflammation is reduced, pain often decreases and movement can improve, allowing you to return more comfortably to daily activities and commence the next steps in your recovery process such as exercise rehabilitation and strengthening, orthotics therapy or return to sport activities.

How Do Cortisone Injections Help Foot & Ankle Pain?

Many foot and ankle conditions are driven by chronic inflammation. When tissues become inflamed, they can cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced function.

Cortisone injections are designed to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, which may help reduce symptoms when other conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. At Hurst Podiatry we can provide four different types of corticosteroids to be used in injections each with differing potencies and durations allowing for us to tailor the selection on injectate for your individual circumstances and condition.

Conditions We Treat with Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections may be considered for a range of foot and ankle conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis
• Heel pain
• Joint inflammation (such as arthritis)
• Tendon inflammation
• Neuroma-related pain
• Achilles bursitis
• Nerve entrapments
• First MPJ (Big Toe) joint pain
• Other inflammatory foot and ankle conditions

A thorough assessment is always performed to determine whether a cortisone injection is appropriate for your specific condition.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Your podiatrist will first conduct a detailed assessment and discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. If a cortisone injection is recommended, the procedure is usually quick and performed in-clinic. The cortisone is normally mixed with an anaesthetic creating a reduction in pain post the procedure.

At Hurst Podiatry we have onsite ultrasound units many of injections are performed withultrasound guidance to increase accuracy and ensure the medicine is being delivered to the correct site. You may feel brief discomfort during the injection, but this typically settles quickly as the local anaesthetic included in the injection takes effect. After the procedure, you will be provided with clear aftercare advice to help optimise your recovery.

Benefits of Cortisone Injections

For appropriately selected patients, cortisone injections may offer:

• Reduction in pain and inflammation
• Improved mobility and function
• Relief that allows other treatments (such as exercise or rehabilitation) to be more effective

Cortisone injections are often used as part of a broader treatment plan rather than a standalone solution.

Risks & Aftercare

As with any medical procedure, cortisone injections carry some risks. These may include temporary discomfort, a short-term increase in pain (known as a post-injection flare), or localised skin changes.

Your podiatrist will explain potential risks and provide detailed aftercare instructions, which may include temporary activity modification to allow the medication to work effectively.

Am I a Candidate for Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone injections are not suitable for everyone and are not always the first line of treatment. They may be considered when pain is persistent and other conservative treatments have not been effective.

Your podiatrist will discuss whether this option is appropriate for you based on your condition, medical history, and treatment goals.

Alternatives & Complementary Therapies

At Hurst Podiatry, cortisone injections are just one of many treatment options available. Depending on your condition, alternatives or complementary therapies may include:

• Custom orthotics
• Exercise and rehabilitation programs
• Shockwave therapy
• Footwear advice
• Activity modification

We focus on creating a tailored treatment plan that addresses the underlying cause of your pain