Efficacy of Cortisone Injection in Foot and Ankle Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the foot and ankle is prevalent and often debilitating, necessitating effective treatment options. This study evaluates the analgesic efficacy of corticosteroid injections in individual foot and ankle joints. Stepping Hill Hospital conducted a retrospective audit of 166 patients who received guided corticosteroid injections. We assessed pain relief using a questionnaire to obtain numerical pain scores before and after the injections. Of the 166 patients evaluated, 51% (85) reported complete pain relief and 32% (53) reported partial relief following the injections, with a significant mean pain score reduction from 8.45 (pre-injection) to 3.42 (post-injection) (p<0.05). A total of 83 patients (47.6%) sought re-injection, which also provided significant pain relief, although slightly less effective than the first injection (pain scores: 3.42 (pre-injection) vs. 4.90 (post-injection), p<0.05). Patient satisfaction was 83% overall, with the highest satisfaction at tarsometatarsal joint injections (95%). Corticosteroid injections for foot and ankle OA demonstrate significant analgesic benefits with high patient satisfaction. While first injections were most effective, re-injections remain a viable option, particularly for patients postponing surgery. These results support corticosteroid injections as an essential component of OA management in foot and ankle conditions.