ULTRASOUND GUIDED INJECTIONS
Precise, Targeted Injection Treatment Using Ultrasound Guidance
If you are experiencing persistent joint, tendon or soft-tissue pain, an ultrasound-guided injection can provide targeted treatment directly to the affected area.
At Alton Pain Clinic, our experienced musculoskeletal clinicians use real-time ultrasound imaging to identify the relevant structures and guide the injection with precision. This approach allows the clinician to see the target area and needle during the procedure, helping to deliver treatment accurately and safely.
Our ultrasound-guided injections are available for a range of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the joints, tendons and soft tissues. Depending on your diagnosis and individual circumstances, treatment may include a corticosteroid injection, hyaluronic acid injection or another appropriate injectable treatment.
What Are Ultrasound-Guided Injections?
An ultrasound-guided injection is a minimally invasive treatment in which ultrasound imaging is used to guide a needle to a specific joint, tendon, bursa or other soft-tissue structure.
Unlike a traditional injection based only on anatomical landmarks, ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to visualise the relevant anatomy in real time. This can help ensure the medication is delivered as accurately as possible to the intended area.
Ultrasound guidance can be particularly useful when treating structures that are small, deep or located close to important nerves and blood vessels.
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound is also used as part of our musculoskeletal assessment, helping our clinicians understand the cause of your symptoms and determine whether an injection is appropriate.
What Conditions Can Ultrasound-Guided Injections Treat?
Ultrasound-guided injections may be considered for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pain and frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff-related pain
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis and tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendon problems
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Ankle and foot pain
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Other joint, tendon and soft-tissue conditions
The most appropriate treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pain. A thorough assessment is carried out before treatment is recommended.
Types of Ultrasound-Guided Injections We Offer
Cortisone / Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections may be recommended when inflammation is contributing to pain and restricted movement.
Using ultrasound guidance, the clinician can target the affected joint, bursa or soft-tissue structure accurately. Cortisone injections may be used for conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder and some tendon-related conditions where clinically appropriate.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid, sometimes referred to as a gel injection or viscosupplementation, may be considered for certain joint conditions, particularly osteoarthritis.
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound-guided hyaluronic acid injections are available for selected joints, including the knee and hip, depending on the specific product and clinical indication.
Arthrosamid® Injections
Arthrosamid® is a non-biodegradable hydrogel injection designed to provide longer-lasting relief for suitable patients with knee osteoarthritis. It works within the knee joint to provide cushioning and may help reduce pain and improve function.
At Alton Pain Clinic, Arthrosamid® injections are performed using ultrasound guidance, allowing the clinician to visualise the knee joint and accurately guide the injection into the intended area.
Arthrosamid® may be considered for patients with knee osteoarthritis who continue to experience pain and reduced mobility despite other conservative treatments. Your clinician will assess your symptoms, medical history and suitability for treatment before recommending Arthrosamid®.
Hydrodilatation for Frozen Shoulder
Hydrodilatation, also known as shoulder hydrodilatation, is a minimally invasive treatment that may be recommended for people with frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis).
During the procedure, a combination of sterile fluid and medication is injected into the shoulder joint under ultrasound guidance. The fluid helps stretch and expand the tight joint capsule, which may improve shoulder movement and reduce pain and stiffness.
At Alton Pain Clinic, hydrodilatation is performed using real-time ultrasound guidance, allowing the clinician to visualise the shoulder joint and guide the needle accurately.
Why Use Ultrasound Guidance?
Ultrasound guidance provides several important advantages during an injection procedure.
1. Improved Accuracy
Real-time ultrasound allows the clinician to visualise the target structure and guide the needle towards the intended treatment area.
2. Better Visualisation
Ultrasound can show muscles, tendons, bursae, joints and other soft tissues that cannot be assessed by looking at the skin surface alone.
3. Targeted Treatment
Medication can be delivered directly to the structure responsible for your symptoms rather than relying solely on anatomical landmarks.
4. Personalised Treatment
The ultrasound assessment can help your clinician understand the problem and determine whether an injection is appropriate for your particular condition.
5. Minimally Invasive
Ultrasound-guided injections are performed in the clinic and do not normally require a hospital stay.
What Happens During an Ultrasound-Guided Injection?
Your appointment will begin with an assessment of your symptoms and medical history. Your clinician will examine the affected area and may perform a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan where appropriate.
If an injection is considered suitable, the procedure generally involves:
1. Assessment
Your clinician will discuss your symptoms, examine the affected area and explain the recommended treatment.
2. Ultrasound Assessment
An ultrasound probe is used to visualise the relevant anatomy and identify the appropriate target.
3. Preparation
The skin is cleaned carefully before the procedure.
4. Ultrasound-Guided Injection
Using real-time ultrasound imaging, the clinician guides a fine needle towards the target area and administers the selected treatment.
5. Aftercare Advice
You will receive advice about activity, recovery and what to expect following your injection.
In suitable cases, assessment, ultrasound examination and treatment may be carried out during the same appointment.
Your Care Pathway with us
- To book an appointment you can call reception line, 0142084487 or email directly to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or simply click the button given below.
- Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and ultrasound scan.
- Discussion about your condition and treatment options.
- Treatment Plans can include advanced treatments such as Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections or various other options tailored for your specific needs.
- Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief if needed.
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Ultrasound-Guided Injections at Alton Pain Clinic
At Alton Pain Clinic, ultrasound-guided injections form part of a wider musculoskeletal assessment and treatment pathway.
Our clinicians have specialist experience in musculoskeletal ultrasound and image-guided injection procedures. The clinic’s team includes clinicians specialising in ultrasound-guided joint, soft-tissue and spinal injections.
We aim to identify the cause of your symptoms before recommending treatment, rather than simply treating the pain itself.
Our approach may include:
- Detailed musculoskeletal assessment
- Point-of-care MSK ultrasound
- Ultrasound-guided injection where appropriate
- Discussion of treatment options
- Personalised aftercare advice
Why Choose Alton Pain Clinic?
1. Specialist Musculoskeletal Care
Our clinic focuses on musculoskeletal conditions, including joint, tendon, soft-tissue and spinal problems.
2. Ultrasound-Guided Precision
We use real-time ultrasound imaging to guide appropriate injections and support accurate treatment.
3. Experienced Clinicians
Our team includes experienced MSK practitioners, sonographers and injection therapists with specialist training in ultrasound-guided procedures.
4. Personalised Treatment
Your symptoms, clinical findings and individual circumstances are considered before treatment is recommended.
5. Convenient Alton Location
Alton Pain Clinic is located on High Street in Alton, Hampshire, providing access to specialist MSK assessment and injection treatments for patients from Alton and surrounding areas.
Book an Ultrasound-Guided Injection in Alton
If persistent joint, tendon or soft-tissue pain is affecting your movement or quality of life, an assessment can help establish the cause and identify suitable treatment options.
Contact Alton Pain Clinic to arrange a musculoskeletal assessment and discuss whether an ultrasound-guided injection could be appropriate for you.
FAQs - Ultrasound-Guided Injection
What is an ultrasound-guided injection?
An ultrasound-guided injection uses real-time ultrasound imaging to help a clinician accurately guide a needle towards a specific joint, tendon, bursa or soft-tissue structure.
Are ultrasound-guided injections better than traditional injections?
Ultrasound guidance allows the clinician to see the target structure and needle in real time, which can improve accuracy compared with injections performed using anatomical landmarks alone. Whether ultrasound guidance is appropriate depends on the condition and treatment area.
What injections can be given under ultrasound guidance?
Depending on your condition, treatment may include corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, CINGAL or other specialised treatments such as Arthrosamid for suitable knee osteoarthritis patients.
Can I have an ultrasound scan and injection on the same day?
In suitable cases, assessment, ultrasound examination and injection treatment may be carried out during the same appointment. Your clinician will determine whether same-day treatment is appropriate.
How long does an ultrasound-guided injection take?
The length of the appointment varies depending on the area being treated and the type of injection. Your clinician will explain the procedure before treatment.
Are ultrasound-guided injections safe?
Ultrasound-guided injections are minimally invasive procedures, but as with any injection there are potential risks and side effects. These will be discussed with you before treatment.
Do I need an MRI before an ultrasound-guided injection?
Not necessarily. Many musculoskeletal problems can be assessed clinically and with ultrasound. If further imaging such as an MRI or X-ray is considered necessary, your clinician can advise you accordingly.