Treatments and Services
Unfortunately, we cannot just “inject what hurts”, without a good working diagnosis of what is going on- this should be from an orthopaedic surgeon/GP/ physio. There is limited capacity in my clinics to offer this diagnostic service.
The specific joints that I inject are listed here.
If there are joints not listed here, it is because there is more risk than benefit in injecting this joint as a treatment method over other options, or because the joint is too small to inject without ultrasound.
Of note, the ball and socket joint of the hip cannot be injected without ultrasound guidance, so this service is not offered.
Injections are a way to get you to be able to do the exercises that will cure/improve your issue. You will be signposted to the relevant exercises after the injection- these exercises are so important for recovery. In wear and tear arthritis, the body has an incredible ability to cure itself to some degree if you provide a good support/scaffold around the damaged joint by building up the muscles that run alongside. This treatment puts off joint replacements, and even if joint replacements are required, it is important to have this strong musculature around the joint to benefit from the replacement.
Injections shouldn’t happen more frequently than every 3 calendar months at most.
Payment is self-pay, not via medical insurance.
We can inject if you are on blood thinners but not if you are on warfarin with an INR>3
Knee Injection
The bulk of my patients suffer with knee wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis).
Bearing in mind that knee replacements have a lifespan of 15-20 years, if you are having a replacement it needs to be at a sweet spot of when you are fit enough to undergo general anaesthesia, but not so early that you outlive it. Many of my patients can use steroid joint injections to put this off for as long as possible and some have never needed a joint replacement.
NHS waiting lists for knee replacements are well over a year. If you are on a waiting list for a replacement, you can have a steroid joint injection into that joint whilst waiting. However, you shouldn’t have a joint injection into that joint 4-6 months prior to the replacement dependent on the surgeon. This is to reduce the infection rate with replacement surgery. If you are considering this, I would recommend that you speak to the orthopaedic secretary to gauge where you are on the waiting list.
A very small minority of my patients suffer with runner’s knee (iliotibial band bursitis) for which an injection can be offered.
Shoulder injections
To treat pain related to
1. rotator cuff disorder/impingement syndrome
2. frozen shoulder
3. shoulder wear and tear arthritis (osteoarthritis)
4. acromioclavicular wear and tear arthritis (where collar bone meets shoulder)
Bursitis around the hip
To treat pain related to greater trochanteric pain syndrome (previously known as trochanteric bursitis)
NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH HIP WEAR AND TEAR ARTHRITIS
(OSTEOARTHRITIS) WHICH WE CANNOT OFFER
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Often injections here are for pain relief and not curative. Most patients will end up needing surgery (carpal tunnel release)
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
To treat pain related to a tendonitis at the base of the thumb. New mum’s and dad’s commonly get this.
Base of thumb joint
Known as the 1st carpometacarpal (CMC). This is the smallest joint
I can offer an injection for the hand. Other hand/wrist joints are too small.
Trigger finger
A finger that is left in the bent position after opening your hand from a fist position. Steroid injection here can release this finger to function normally again.
Base of big toe joint
Known as the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP). This is the smallest joint that I can offer an injection into in the foot. Other foot/ankle joints are too small.
Parking
On street paid parking immediately outside and paid for car park at Anglican Cathedral 160m away (first 30 minutes free).
Accessibility
Access into building is on the level. Consulting room with downstairs patient toilets. Lift access to all floors. Disabled access and support. Friendly reception team
Prices:
88 Rodney Street Clinic (Liverpool)
- Diagnostic Consultation: £75
- Joint Injection Consultation: £150
Home Visit
- Joint Injection Consultation: £200**
**Additional fees may apply based on your location.
If you need two or more injections on the same day, enjoy a 20% discount on each additional joint. You will be reimbursed on the day of the injection.
We cannot inject:
1. Ball and socket joint of hip
2. If infection in that area
3. If fever/not eating or drinking due to current general infection
4. If previous lip swelling/tongue swelling/breathing difficulties with steroids or lidocaine
5. If within a couple of weeks of a high impact trauma to that area
6. If blood in the joint
7. If any plastic/metal in that joint
8. Less than 18 years of age