Home > courses > intra articular injection therapies Steroid and Viscosupplement Injection Therapies Sat 14th Feb 9:00 - 17:00 TBC - West Midlands Members: £590, NON-Members: £650 Maximum 20 delegates Available to all HCPC / CORU registered Podiatrists with POM-A It covers the practical techniques of injecting steroids, viscosupplements or prolotherapy agents into the knee, ankle and foot, both by both traditional landmark technique and under ultrasound guidance About the Course Steroid InjectionTherapy An injection of anti-inflammatory corticosteroid, administered alongside a local anaesthetic, is intended to provide temporary relief from musculoskeletal sprains and strains of the lower limb. It is also used to alleviate acute episodes of inflammatory pain affecting the joints and the surrounding tissues in the foot and lower leg. This approach is particularly suitable for certain conditions, such as Morton’s neuroma, where it can offer temporary symptomatic relief. Viscosupplement Injection Therapy When steroid injections are unsuitable or contraindicated, clinicians may consider viscosupplement injection therapy as an alternative. This treatment involves the use of agents like Ostenil to inject hyaluronic acid directly into the affected joint. The primary goal is to decrease pain and improve joint function, thereby enhancing patient mobility and overall comfort. Mechanism of Action Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound within the body, acting as a crucial lubricant and shock absorber within the joints. It contributes to smooth joint movement and minimises friction between the articulating surfaces. However, factors such as ageing or the development of conditions like osteoarthritis can lead to a reduction in the body’s natural supply of hyaluronic acid. This decrease can result in greater joint discomfort and stiffness, ultimately impairing function and causing ongoing pain. Course Schedule Course Content and Practical Skills The course offers a comprehensive mix of detailed theoretical instruction in the pharmacology of steroidal and viscosupplement agents, as well as practical guidance on the anatomical regions of the foot and lower limb suitable for treatment. Delegates will gain hands-on experience in the procedural skills required for safe and effective administration. Participants are taught to identify injection entry sites using both traditional landmark techniques and ultrasound imaging. Those already familiar with ultrasound imaging, or considering its introduction into their practice, will benefit from guidance on ultrasound-guided procedures. Both techniques can be used independently or together, either sequentially or concurrently, depending on clinical requirements. Learning Objectives: To revise the anatomical locations for local anaesthetic administration in digital and ankle blocks To introduce podiatrists to the pharmacology of steroids and viscosupplements To understand the pharmacology of steroids and viscosupplements To review the aetiology and pathology of lower limb conditions amenable to treatment To understand contraindications for treatment Course Schedule: Tutor introduction and welcome Revision of local anaesthetic and nerve locations Steroid pharmacology Viscosupplement pharmacology Administration techniques Legislation and contraindications Tutor Martin Harvey, FPodM PGCert, BSc, MCPodS, has played a leading role in advancing and championing soft tissue injection therapy within UK podiatry for nearly twenty years. His experience encompasses the use of prolotherapy, hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, and botulinum toxins. As one of the earliest supplementary prescribers in UK podiatry, he contributed to the development of independent prescribing, collaborating with the Department of Health and the National Prescribing Centre to establish a unified national prescribing framework. A highly experienced Independent Prescriber, Martin Harvey is adept at conveying complex pharmacological concepts in an accessible manner, ensuring delegates acquire the essential knowledge to use potent steroid agents safely and effectively. Alongside his hospital consultancy work, he has worked as member of the Department of Health working party on extending controlled drug prescribing rights for podiatrist prescribers and served as a leader within the NHS Education England’s Foot Health Consortium project. Insurance and Certification The procedure is included under the Institute’s Band 4 Insurance for members and Fellows with local anaesthetic certification who have completed our training. This course is formally accredited by the Institute of Podiatrists. Venue TBC - West Midlands Gallery