Joint injections are typically a combination of a steroid with a local anaesthetic or a viscosupplement. These injections are administered into an affected joint, to alleviate pain, inflammation or stiffness.

At Astra Health, we offer several different types of joint injections:

• Steroid injections: steroid injections contain a corticosteroid medication, such as prednisolone or triamcinolone. These injections can be very effective in reducing inflammation and pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. They are usually administered in conjunction with a local anaesthetic, to provide comfort during the procedure.

• Ultrasound-guided injections: these specialist injections use ultrasound imaging to guide the injection into the joint. This precise technique can be more accurate than blind injections and can help ensure that the medication is delivered to the correct location in the joint.

• Ostenil and Durolane: Ostenil and Durolane are both viscosupplements, which are substances similar to the natural lubricating fluid found in joints. These injections can help restore joint function and reduce pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis.

These viscosupplements are injected directly into the space in the joint which contains the synovial fluid and can work towards restoring the normal balance in the affected area.