Joint Injections
Steroid injections / joint injections are a form of cortisone – usually either kenalog or depo-medrone. Steroids can relieve pain by reducing inflammation.
In Sports Medicine, they are usually given as an injection into or around an inflamed joint to ease symptoms. They are commonly used to treat bursitis, osteoarthritis, synovitis. These are NOT anabolic steroids, which are a banned substance in sports.
How long do local steroid injections take to work?
They can give relief within hours but can take a few days to have their full effect.
What are the possible side effects?
Local steroid injections into a joint are safe and side effects are unlikely. Possible side effects include:
- A flare of joint pain for 24hrs
- Facial flushing
- A temporary rise in blood sugars
- Some loss of skin pigment at the site of the injection
- Dimpling of the skin at the site of injection due to wasting of fatty tissue
- Infection
The Doctor will discuss these with you fully before the injection.
What precautions do I have to take after the injection?
You should rest as much as possible for 48hrs then rest from sporting activity for the following 7 days. You should discuss further management with your Sports Medicine Doctor.
How I can help
I have many years experience in giving joint and soft tissue injections.
I use these injections on a daily basis as part of an overall treatment programme but they are only appropriate for specific conditions. They are never essential and if you have a dislike of injections or a needle phobia there are always other non-injection options.When given appropriately, by an experienced practitioner, injections can dramatically speed up your recovery.
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Dr Martin McConaghy is the best doctor I have worked with in any environment. His skill and dedication to his craft is second to none. I am lucky enough to have had the chance to work with him closely and see his attention to detail and experience first hand. World class in every aspect.
- Simon Zebo , 2018 Professional rugby player with Racing 92. Former Munster and Irish International Rugby Player
I have worked with Dr McConaghy for many years in a playing capacity with Armagh and later in a managerial capacity at Club level with Crossmaglen. There is no greater resource to players and management than a doctor who is invested in the welfare of his players and who is always pushing the limits of his knowledge to the betterment of both. Elite athletes cannot reach optimal performance without people like Dr McConaghy
- Tony McEntee, 2018: Former County Armagh Gaelic Footballer, Former Manager Crossmaglen Rangers
I benefitted greatly from Dr Martin McConaghy's knowledge of sports medicine and professional advice during my playing career. I first availed of Dr Martin’s medical expertise whilst playing for Armagh and continued to seek his medical opinion until I finished playing football with my club Ballyhegan. Whether it was major injuries or persistent niggly injuries Dr Martin was always very attentive and his correct diagnosis and rehabilitation plan with the physiotherapist always ensured I was back playing in the shortest timeframe. Martin is very professional and very approachable and I would have no hesitation in referring any person with sports injuries to him.
- Paul McGrane, 2018: Former County Armagh Gaelic Footballer
I had the pleasure of working alongside Doctor Martin McConaghy with the Munster rugby team through 2016-2018. Martin was without doubt one of the most professional and team focussed men I have ever come across. His commitment to his role ensured a perfect balance between player welfare and keeping players on the pitch to perform. His approach fostered an environment where there was complete trust across the coaching group and the playing group that Martin’s call was always going to be in the best interests of the club. Martin was an integral cog in creating a high-performance environment in Munster rugby and no matter where he goes we will always claim him as a Munster man.
- Jerry Flannery, 2018: Munster rugby coach. Former Munster and Irish International Rugby Player
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