Around 30 minutes.

This includes consent, positioning, aseptic preparation, imaging guidance (usually ultrasound or fluoroscopy), the injection itself, and short post-procedure observation. Most procedures take 5–10 minutes of actual needle time.

Image-guided musculoskeletal injections are typically brief outpatient procedures with high efficiency and low complication rates.

It is not recommended to drive for 6 hours after the injection.

This is primarily due to:

Temporary weakness or numbness from local anaesthetic
Reduced reaction time
Rare vasovagal symptoms
For lower limb injections (hip/knee/ankle) or procedures near nerves, some centres advise not driving for 12–24 hours.

Driving restriction is precautionary; transient motor weakness after local anaesthetic is well described in musculoskeletal interventions.

This varies depending on your condition and response to treatment. Many patients require only one injection, but some may benefit from a series of injections.

Most guidelines recommend no more than 3–4 corticosteroid injections per joint per year
Repeated injections should be clinically justified (symptom recurrence + response to prior injection)
Evidence note:

Repeated corticosteroid injections may have diminishing benefit and potential cartilage effects in some joints (e.g. knee OA).

It is common for pain to worsen for 1–3 days after the injection. Improvement usually begins after 3–5 days.

Early pain flare is called a “steroid flare”
Local anaesthetic may give temporary immediate relief (hours only)
Steroid effect typically begins within 2–7 days
Evidence note:

Post-injection flare occurs in up to ~20% of cases and is self-limiting

This varies. On average, injections provide relief for 6–9 months, although some patients may experience shorter or longer benefit.

Duration depends on:
Underlying pathology (e.g. bursitis vs osteoarthritis vs tendinopathy)
Accuracy of injection (image guidance improves outcomes)
Some patients may have no response
Image-guided injections are associated with improved accuracy and, in some studies, better clinical outcomes compared to landmark-guided techniques.

Yes, you can continue your usual medications unless advised otherwise.

Simple analgesia (e.g. paracetamol) is appropriate
Diabetic patients should be advised:
Blood glucose may rise for 2–5 days after steroid injection
Evidence note:

Transient hyperglycaemia following corticosteroid injection is well documented, particularly in patients with diabetes.

You should rest the affected area for 24–48 hours, avoiding strenuous activity.

Gentle movement is encouraged
Avoid heavy exercise or loading (especially tendon injections)
Gradual return to activity improves outcomes
Evidence note:

Post-injection relative rest is commonly recommended to optimise steroid effect and reduce flare risk.

Image-guided injections are generally safe, but risks include:

Infection (very rare, <1 in 10,000) Bleeding or bruising Temporary increase in pain Skin changes (depigmentation or fat atrophy) Tendon weakening (with repeated injections)

Contact your doctor urgently if you develop:

Increasing redness, swelling, or heat
Fever
Severe or worsening pain beyond 3–5 days
New weakness or numbness