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Foot and ankle injections in theatre
Foot and ankle pain can make everyday activities difficult, from walking and exercising to simply standing comfortably. An injection can help reduce pain and inflammation in the foot or ankle when other treatments have not provided enough relief.
Some injections can be given in theatre, using imaging or an anaesthetic to help the clinician accurately target the affected area.
What is a foot and ankle injection?
A foot or ankle injection involves putting medication directly into or around the painful area to help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.
Depending on the cause and location of your pain, an injection may be considered for conditions affecting the joints, tendons or other structures in the foot and ankle.
Injections may contain a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, sometimes alongside a local anaesthetic to help provide short-term pain relief.
Why might I need an injection in theatre?
Some areas of the foot and ankle can be difficult to access accurately because of the small joints and complex anatomy.
Having the injection performed in theatre can allow your clinician to carefully position the needle and target the area causing your symptoms. This may be particularly useful when an injection needs to be given into a specific joint or other hard-to-reach area.
Your clinician will discuss whether an injection in theatre is appropriate for you and explain what the procedure involves.
What conditions can foot and ankle injections treat?
Foot and ankle injections may be used as part of treatment for a range of painful conditions, including:
- Arthritis and joint pain
- Osteoarthritis of the foot or ankle
- Inflammation around a joint
- Tendon-related pain
- Other conditions causing persistent foot or ankle pain
Whether an injection is suitable will depend on the cause of your symptoms and your individual circumstances.
What happens during a foot and ankle injection?
Before your procedure, your clinician will explain what will happen and answer any questions you have.
During the procedure, the area being treated will be carefully identified before the injection is administered. Depending on the location and type of injection, local anaesthetic, sedation or another form of anaesthesia may be used.
The procedure itself is usually relatively quick, although you should allow additional time for preparation and recovery.
Will the injection hurt?
You may feel some discomfort when the injection is given, but your clinical team will take steps to keep you as comfortable as possible.
If you are having your injection in theatre, your clinician will explain the type of anaesthetic or pain relief being used and what you can expect during the procedure.
How long does a foot and ankle injection take to work?
This depends on the type of injection and the condition being treated. Local anaesthetic can provide relatively rapid, temporary pain relief, while corticosteroids can take longer to reduce inflammation.
Your clinician will explain when you might expect to notice an improvement and how long the effects may last.
What happens after a foot and ankle injection?
You will usually spend some time recovering after the procedure before going home. Your clinical team will give you advice about walking, driving, exercise and returning to normal activities.
It is important to follow the advice you are given, as the recommended recovery period can vary depending on the injection and the area treated.
Are there any risks or side effects?
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects. These can vary depending on the type of injection and where it is given.
Your clinician will discuss the potential benefits and risks with you before treatment, including any specific risks that apply to your individual circumstances.
How long will the pain relief last?
The duration of pain relief varies from person to person. Some people experience significant improvement, while others may have less or shorter-lasting relief.
An injection may be used to help manage symptoms, as part of a wider treatment plan, or in some cases to help determine where pain is coming from.
Is a foot and ankle injection right for me?
If you have ongoing foot or ankle pain that is affecting your daily life, an injection may be one treatment option to consider.
Your clinician will assess your symptoms, medical history and any scans or other investigations before recommending the most appropriate treatment. They can explain whether an injection could help you and whether having it performed in theatre is appropriate.
Book an appointment for foot and ankle pain
If foot or ankle pain is affecting your everyday life, our specialist team can assess your symptoms and discuss your treatment options.
Get the right treatment for your foot and ankle pain.
Why choose Practice Plus Group?
At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.
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