Cortisone Shot London is a new low-cost service for private insurance and self-pay patients. Given the current wait times in the NHS, this service meets the needs of individuals seeking help returning to activity and sport. So, who benefits from a cortisone shot, who should you get to do an injection, and what does a private cortisone injection cost in the UK? How much does a cortisone injection cost privately in the UK? 

What is cortisone? 

Cortisone is a powerful drug that lowers inflammation. Many joint and tendon diseases, such as arthritis, are characterised by inflammation. Injecting corticosteroids into a joint or tendon reduces inflammation, thereby relieving pain.

How is a cortisone injection delivered?

As physicians, we perform cortisone injections either blindly or under ultrasound or X-ray guidance.

Ultrasound or X-ray guidance is preferable for joint procedures, as it improves accuracy and effectiveness. Moreover, ultrasound guidance has many advantages over X-ray. First, ultrasound can be performed in a clinical room rather than in an operating theatre, thereby reducing costs. Second, unlike X-rays, ultrasound does not emit ionising radiation. Finally, ultrasound means avoiding important structures like blood vessels and nerves you don’t want to inject.

For tendons, there is no doubt that ultrasound is superior to X-ray for guiding injections. We inject many tendons, including those for tennis elbow, plantar fascia, hip, and shoulder. These injections should be performed under ultrasound guidance rather than X-ray.

What is a ‘one-stop’ private cortisone injection?  

Usually, you see a consultant who assesses and refers you for imaging. Next, you are directed to radiology for imaging. Then you meet with the consultant again to discuss the next step. Finally, the consultant refers you back to radiology for an injection. You could have four appointments for one injection.

big toe injection under ultrasound

Sportdoctorlondon provides a ‘one-stop’ injection service for many injections. Dr Masci will assess you, perform an ultrasound, and inject you all in one visit. It is an excellent service for busy people who want to save time and money. 

However, in some cases, you may not be a candidate for injection or may need further imaging, so an injection may not be possible at the first visit.

How Much Should a Private Cortisone Injection Cost in the UK?

Like any procedure, the cost of a cortisone shot varies significantly. How much does a steroid injection cost privately in the UK? The price can range from £250 to £1000 for the same shot. But don’t be fooled: higher costs do not necessarily mean better service. Conversely, searching for the lowest cost might not be great either. In the UK, physiotherapists, podiatrists, and even beauty therapists inject cortisone and other injectables, sometimes with little training.

At Chelsea, Dr Masci offers competitive ultrasound-guided injections starting at £390. Some clinics are a little more expensive. The cost includes consultation and an ultrasound. It is a unique ‘one-stop’ clinic where you can have everything done in a single visit, rather than spread over 3 or 4 appointments.

The cost of ultrasound-guided injections includes the following:

Please review the fees for self-pay patients here. 

However, Some Clinics Offer Lower-cost Cortisone Injections.

Yes, but some clinics do not have doctors specialising in ultrasound-guided injections. Therefore, you need to do your homework beforehand. Of course, you always want the best surgeon to do your surgery, so why not the most experienced doctor to do your injection? Also, many physiotherapists, podiatrists, and even beauty therapists administer injections without years of medical training.

Before undergoing an ultrasound-guided cortisone injection, we recommend asking the following four questions. So, a cheaper cortisone injection cost is not always the best idea.

What conditions can a cortisone injection treat? 

We treat upper- and lower-limb and pelvic injuries, including arthritis and tendonitis. We offer cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma injections. Specialised injections include shoulder tendon calcification lavage, tendon scraping, and sacroiliac joint injections. Contact sportdoctorlondon to find out more.

Other specialised knee arthritis injections include Durolane and Arthosamid.

Dr Masci is a Sports and Exercise Medicine consultant with expertise in ultrasound-guided injections. He has twenty years of experience in cortisone, hyaluronic acid, and PRP injections. He works at three clinics in central London.

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