Corticosteroids
-
Eitan Ingall, MD Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr. Ingall is a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon who prides himself on delivering compassionate, evidence-based care to his patients.
Corticosteroid injections are a widely used, minimally invasive treatment option in orthopedic foot and ankle care. By delivering medication directly to the source of inflammation, these injections provide targeted relief for painful conditions affecting the joints, tendons, and soft tissues of the foot and ankle. At his Frisco and McKinney, TX practice, Dr. Eitan Ingall, MD, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon, offers corticosteroid injections as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to treating foot and ankle pain.
What Are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that mimic hormones naturally produced by the body. In foot and ankle treatment, they are typically administered as localized injections. These injections are often combined with a local anesthetic to provide immediate comfort along with longer-term inflammation control. The goal is to calm irritated tissues and reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain.
When Are Corticosteroids Recommended?
Dr. Ingall may recommend corticosteroid injections when conservative treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Common conditions treated include:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ankle arthritis or midfoot arthritis
- Tendonitis and tenosynovitis
- Bursitis
- Morton’s neuroma
- Sinus tarsi syndrome
- Capsulitis of the toes
- Inflammatory flare-ups after injury
Each treatment plan is personalized based on diagnosis, activity level, and overall health.
What Does Preparation for Corticosteroid Injection Involve?
Preparation is generally straightforward. Your medical history, medications, and allergies will be reviewed. Imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis and guide accurate placement. The injection site is carefully sterilized to minimize infection risk. If you take blood thinners, adjustments may be discussed before treatment.
How Is Corticosteroid Injection Performed?
The procedure is performed in the office and typically takes only a few minutes. After cleansing the area, Dr. Ingall may use ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. A small needle is inserted into the targeted structure, and the medication is injected. Most patients experience minimal discomfort.
What to Expect During Recovery After Corticosteroid Injection?
You may experience mild soreness for 24–48 hours. Some patients feel immediate relief from the anesthetic, followed by gradual improvement over several days as the steroid begins working. Temporary activity modification may be recommended. Many patients notice significant pain reduction within one week.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Corticosteroid Injection?
While generally safe, potential risks include:
- Temporary increase in pain (post-injection flare)
- Infection (rare)
- Skin thinning or discoloration
- Tendon weakening or rupture (rare)
- Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
- Temporary facial flushing
What Are the Benefits of Corticosteroid Injection?
Benefits of corticosteroid injections include:
- Targeted anti-inflammatory relief
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Improved mobility and function
- Minimally invasive in-office treatment
- Potential delay or avoidance of surgery
- Quick return to normal activities
For patients in Frisco and McKinney seeking non-surgical foot and ankle pain relief, corticosteroid injections can be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.
