What is it?
An ultrasound-guided injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication (corticosteroid), often referred to as a steroid injection, directly into a painful joint, tendon, ligament, nerve, or surrounding soft tissues.
Using ultrasound allows the clinician to visualise the affected structure in real time and guide the needle accurately into the correct area. This improves precision and can make treatment safer and more effective than a “blind” injection.
Steroid injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, helping to support recovery and rehabilitation.
Who is it for?
This treatment may be suitable for adults with persistent joint or soft tissue pain that has not improved with rest, physiotherapy, activity modification, or simple pain relief.
It is commonly used for:
Osteoarthritis and age-related joint pain
Joint inflammation (such as synovitis or capsulitis)
Sports injuries and overuse injuries
Tendon-related pain around joints
Bursitis
It may be particularly helpful for:
Individuals with pain limiting daily activity or exercise
Active individuals or those returning to sport following injury
Patients looking to reduce pain to allow rehabilitation or physiotherapy
What will it assess?
Who performs it?
Procedures are performed by a specialist musculoskeletal (MSK) Consultant Radiologist with extensive experience in ultrasound-guided interventions.
All procedures are performed under real-time ultrasound guidance to maximise accuracy and safety.
A chaperone will be present throughout the appointment.
Our team →
How do I prepare?
Please wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated.
Before your appointment, it is important to let us know if you:
Take blood-thinning medication
Have diabetes
Are pregnant or may be pregnant
Have any allergies
Have a current or recent infection
Have previously had a steroid injection in the same area
You may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a short period after the injection.
Will I need a referral?
This service is offered on a referral-only basis. A referral from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional is required prior to booking to ensure that injection treatment is appropriate and forms part of a safe, structured management plan.
Referrals are accepted from a range of healthcare professionals, including physiotherapists, general practitioners (GPs), and consultant doctors.
We work closely with Physio Space, an independent physiotherapy clinic based within the same building as Cardiff Ultrasound Clinic.
If you do not already have a referral, you can book a physiotherapy assessment with Physio Space. If an injection is clinically indicated, they can refer you directly and arrange follow-up and rehabilitation as needed
Common injection areas
Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections can be performed in a range of joints and soft tissue structures, depending on the underlying condition.
Commonly treated areas include:
Shoulder (e.g. subacromial bursa, glenohumeral joint, AC joint)
Hip (e.g. hip joint, trochanteric bursa)
Knee (e.g. knee joint, Baker’s cyst)
Ankle and foot (e.g. ankle joint, plantar fascia)
Wrist and hand (e.g. carpal tunnel, thumb base joint)
Elbow (e.g. tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
What to expect after the injection
The procedure typically takes around 20–30 minutes in total
You may experience temporary numbness for a few hours if local anaesthetic is used
It is common to experience increased discomfort for up to 24–48 hours following the injection (“steroid flare”)
Pain relief usually develops over several days
The effect may last from weeks to several months, depending on the condition
You may be advised to reduce strenuous activity for a short period
You will be asked to remain in the clinic for approximately 20–30 minutes after the injection to ensure you feel well before leaving.
You should not drive immediately after the injection
Seek medical advice if you develop increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or worsening pain after the injection.
Many patients experience a significant reduction in pain, allowing improved movement and progression with rehabilitation.
Important Information
Corticosteroid injections can provide effective short- to medium-term relief for many patients, but they are not suitable for all conditions.
As with any injection, there are small risks, including:
Bleeding
Infection
These risks will be discussed with you before treatment, and you will be asked to sign a written consent form.
If you have any questions, please get in touch - our team will be happy to help.
Why choose us
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What will I receive?
A specialist ultrasound assessment of the affected area
An ultrasound guided corticosteroid injection
A clear explanation of the findings and treatment provided
Aftercare advice, including what to expect following the injection
A detailed digital medical report, including high-quality diagnostic images available within 24 hours
Secure online access to your report and images across devices
Option to share your report electronically with your physio, GP, referrer or other healthcare professionals
Price
£350