Hydrocortisone Injections

Hydrocortisone injections for hands start working immediately. However, while some patients notice an improvement in their symptoms straight away, others find it takes a few days to feel the benefits.

If you have had a local anaesthetic with your hydrocortisone shot, then any pain should subside within a few minutes. However once the anaesthetic has worn off, you may experience some discomfort or find that the pain in the joint was worse than it was before the injection. Rest the affected hand and use an ice pack to reduce swelling and bruising and this should settle down in a day or two. You may take over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if needed. However it is worth remembering that most people do not experience any side effects after a hydrocortisone shot.

If you have a blood clotting disorder, such as haemophilia, or if you are taking any medicine which thins your blood, such as warfarin, then hydrocortisone shots should only be used with great caution. This is because there is a greater risk of bleeding into the joint. Before you have your injection, you will need to undergo tests to see how well your blood clots.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes then you should take extra care as hydrocortisone injections can affect your blood sugar control. You should pay close attention to your blood sugar levels in the fortnight following your shot and seek advice if your levels do not settle after this two week period.

If you’re also taking other steroid medicines or tablets for HIV or any fungal infections, you may get underactive adrenal glands as a side effect of hydrocortisone shots. You may need to carry a steroid card.

It is extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a hydrocortisone shot. But anaphylaxis can be life-threatening, so if you experience any of the following symptoms, you must seek emergency medical help straight away: skin rash, difficulty breathing, wheezing, tightness in the chest or throat, swelling of the lips, face, mouth, throat or tongue.

We would like to reiterate that an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone injections is highly unlikely. If you have any concerns about this or any other aspects of hydrocortisone injections then please speak to our team who will help to set your mind at rest.

The price of hydrocortisone injections UK vary and range from £250 up to the £1,000 mark. The final cost of your hydrocortisone shot treatment depends on whereabouts on the body is being treated and how many injections are required. The cost also depends on the dosage required.

If you choose the Cadogan Clinic for your hydrocortisone injection in London, you will get:

• Up to two 60 minute consultations with a leading specialist plastic surgeon at our award-winning premises in Chelsea
• Your hydrocortisone shot at London’s leading specialist cosmetic surgery centre of excellence
• 24/7 on-call nurse assistance
• A Dedicated Patient Coordinator, as a personal point of contact through your journey with Cadogan
• A preoperative medical assessment to ensure you are fit for surgery
• Comprehensive post-operative aftercare courtesy of our specialist cosmetic nurses

Hydrocortisone injections are not painful, although some people may find them uncomfortable.

Very occasionally a person may experience pain in the joint into which the injection is delivered, but this resolves itself in one to two days.

Sometimes you may be given a local anaesthetic to numb the area before the hydrocortisone shot is administered. The effects of the anaesthetic will wear off within a couple of hours. You should ask a friend or relative to drive you home from your appointment.

If you have any concerns, please speak to your consultant before treatment, who will be happy to set your mind at rest.

If you are having hydrocortisone injections for three weeks or more, or you have been prescribed a high dosage, then you will need to have a blue steroid treatment card.

The card gives you information on how to reduce the risk of side effects as well as giving important information to healthcare professionals. This card informs any healthcare professionals that you come into contact with that you are on steroid treatment which must not be stopped suddenly. If you need any medical or dental treatment then you must show this card to your GP or dentist. You should always carry this card with you in case you ever need any emergency medical assistance.

There are some lifestyle changes you could make which may help to ease painful or swollen joints.

Exercises to increase muscle strength around the affected joint or joints will help, but it will also be beneficial to exercise regularly to improve your overall fitness.

You may find hot or cold compresses or treatments help to soothe the affected joint. Sometimes people say that electrotherapy, such as a TENS machine, can also help to provide relief. A walking stick or frame may be useful if painful or swollen joints are affecting the way you walk.

Ultimately hydrocortisone injections are the quickest, most effective and long-lasting way to ease the discomfort associated with swollen or painful joints.