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Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections in Tunbridge Wells
A cortisone (steroid) injection can settle pain and inflammation in a joint, tendon or bursa, often within days. At Vale, every injection is guided by ultrasound, so the medicine goes exactly where it’s needed.
Cortisone is a man-made version of a hormone your body produces naturally to control inflammation. Injected into or around a painful area, it can reduce swelling and pain, often within a few days.
It doesn’t fix the underlying problem, but it can calm things down enough for you to move more comfortably and get on with the exercises that help in the longer term. It’s often mixed with a local anaesthetic, which can give some relief straight away.
Conditions we commonly treat
Shoulder pain
Including frozen shoulder, bursitis and rotator cuff problems.
Hip and knee
Hip bursitis and arthritis flare-ups in the hip or knee.
Elbow and wrist
Tennis and golfer’s elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Foot and other areas
Plantar fasciitis, gout, ganglion cysts and other painful joints.
Is this right for you?Book a free consultation online to find out if a cortisone injection is right for you.
Book online. We discuss your symptoms and examine the area to check an injection is right for you.
02
Ultrasound scan
We scan the area to see the problem and plan exactly where the injection should go.
03
The injection
The skin is cleaned and the injection given under ultrasound guidance. It takes only a few minutes.
04
Aftercare
We give you advice on activity and exercises, and check how you’re getting on.
Why ultrasound guidance matters
Many tendons and joints are small or deep, and close to nerves and blood vessels. Ultrasound lets us see the area while we inject, so we can place the needle accurately and avoid structures that shouldn’t be injected. The scan also shows us what’s causing your pain, which helps us decide whether an injection is the right choice.
What does the research say?
Cortisone injections can work well in the short term, but the benefit doesn’t always last:
For knee osteoarthritis, a large review found cortisone may reduce pain for a few weeks, but the evidence for longer-term benefit is weak [1].
For tendon problems such as tennis elbow, a review in The Lancet found cortisone helped pain in the short term, but in tennis elbow people did worse at six to twelve months than those who waited or had other treatments [2].
That’s why we often combine an injection with exercises, and why we may suggest a different treatment for some tendon problems.
Recovery and results
You can usually go home and carry on with light activity straight away. If a local anaesthetic is used, the area may feel easier for a few hours, and the pain can then return before the cortisone starts to work, usually within a few days. Relief may last weeks to months, depending on the problem.
When to get urgent help
Seek urgent medical advice if the injected area becomes increasingly hot, red, swollen and painful, or you develop a fever. These can be signs of infection, which is rare but needs prompt treatment.
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Dr Gabriel Azzini
Doctor, Sport & Exercise Medicine
GMC 7689922
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Cortisone injection★★★★★
I recently had an ultrasound guided cortisone injection with Gary… Gary took the time to explain everything clearly before the procedure which really put me at ease, not easy when you’re not a fan of needles! The process itself was essentially pain free.
James T. · 2026 · Google review
Frozen shoulder★★★★★
Gary helped me with my frozen shoulder. He was very thorough, professional and informative. I was given a cortisone injection, which he talked me through. During the procedure he was calming and efficient.
Annette P. · 2026 · Google review
Hyaluronic acid★★★★★
I first saw Gary for a consultation regarding the arthritis in my knees with a view to having a hyaluronic acid injection. Gary was extremely knowledgeable and went through all the options before suggesting which would be the best option for me.
Paula F. · 2025 · Google review
Knee injection★★★★★
My mum had acute knee pain which has been treated at the clinic, she now has much better mobility and positive outlook due to the treatment received. Gary has been so helpful and supportive throughout the consultation and treatment.
Robert C. · 2024 · Google review
Stem cell★★★★★
I cannot thank Gary and Gabriel enough for the stem cell treatment they gave me. When I started my treatment my tendonitis was so bad in my elbows that I couldn’t carry my little children, drive the car or do my day job without getting in severe pain.
Most people feel a sharp scratch and some pressure. Ultrasound guidance helps us place the needle quickly and accurately, which keeps discomfort to a minimum.
Are there any risks or side effects?
Some people have a flare of pain for a day or two. Other possible effects include facial flushing, a temporary rise in blood sugar if you have diabetes, a small dimple or paler patch of skin at the injection site, and, rarely, infection or tendon damage. We go through the risks with you before the injection.
How many injections can I have?
We usually avoid repeating injections into the same area too often. If you need more than one, we’ll discuss the timing and whether another treatment might be better.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Jüni P, Hari R, Rutjes AW, et al. Intra-articular corticosteroid for knee osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;(10):CD005328. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005328.pub3
Coombes BK, Bisset L, Vicenzino B. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for management of tendinopathy: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials. Lancet 2010;376(9754):1751–1767. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)61160-9
Written by Gary Edwards, Injection Therapist (PG Cert Injection Therapy) and Chiropractor (GCC 03996). Last updated 15 October 2026.
