Steroid Injections
Steroid (corticosteroid) injections can be a highly effective way to reduce pain and inflammation in specific foot and ankle conditions. They can help you move more comfortably, return to activity sooner and support the success of your wider treatment plan (such as insoles and exercises).
We may consider steroid injections for problems such as:
- Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
- Morton’s neuroma and forefoot pain
- Bursitis (inflamed fluid sacs) around the heel or forefoot
- Painful arthritis in the midfoot, ankle or big toe joint
- Tendon-related pain (in selected cases), such as around the ankle
Steroid injections are usually offered alongside other treatments, not as a stand‑alone “quick fix”.
What to Expect from a Steroid Injection Appointment
Your podiatrist will:
- Review your medical history, medications and previous treatments
- Confirm the diagnosis and discuss whether an injection is appropriate and safe for you
- Explain the benefits, risks and alternatives in clear, simple language
If you decide to go ahead, the injection will:
- Be given directly into or around the painful area
- Often include a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort
- Be performed using careful technique to maximise benefit and minimise risk
You may feel some soreness for a day or two after, followed by a gradual reduction in pain over the next days to weeks.
How Steroid Injections Fit into Your Treatment Plan
Steroid injections are most effective when combined with other measures, which may include:
- Exercise and rehabilitation programmes
- Footwear changes or activity modification
- Insoles or custom orthotics (including Phits+ where appropriate)
We will discuss all suitable options with you and decide together if a steroid injection is the right choice as part of your overall management plan. To book the above, please book ‘(MSK) Biomechanics Assessment – Foot & Ankle Pain’ appointment type.
