A cortisone (steroid) injection is one of the quickest ways to settle a painful, inflamed joint — but private pricing in the UK varies widely, and what looks cheap often is not once the consultation and scan are added on. This consultant-led guide explains what a cortisone injection costs, what should be included, and how London pricing compares.
Written and medically reviewed by Dr James Thing (MBBS, BSc, MRCGP, FFSEM), Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine.
Privately in the UK, a cortisone injection typically costs anywhere from around £150 to over £500, and the figure that matters most is what is included. At Joint Care London an ultrasound-guided steroid injection is £525, all-inclusive, with no hidden extras. A first appointment — consultation plus a diagnostic ultrasound scan — is £405. Many clinics quote a lower headline price but then bill the consultation, the scan and follow-up separately, so the real total can be higher.
Before comparing quotes, check whether the price covers: a consultation with the person doing the injection; a diagnostic ultrasound to confirm what is wrong and guide the needle accurately; the injection itself; and any follow-up. An ultrasound-guided injection delivered by a consultant is not the same product as a quick, blind injection — the accuracy is what makes it work. See our full price list for every injection type.
London prices swing more than anywhere else in the UK, driven by who performs the injection (GP vs consultant), whether it is image-guided, and how much is bundled in. Our advice is simple: compare all-inclusive, consultant-delivered, ultrasound-guided prices — not headline figures. For a full breakdown across steroid, gel, PRP and Arthrosamid, see our complete guide to injection costs in London.
A steroid injection works best when pain and swelling are the main problem — such as an arthritis flare-up, bursitis or tendon inflammation — because relief usually comes on within days and lasts from a few weeks to a few months. It is often the first injection tried, and can settle a joint enough to let you exercise and progress rehab.
If your pain is more mechanical and ongoing, a hyaluronic-acid (gel) injection (£625) lubricates the joint and lasts longer. Our guide to steroid vs gel injections explains which suits which knee. For longer-term knee osteoarthritis, Arthrosamid is a single hydrogel injection (£2,995) that can last for years.
Every injection at Joint Care London is ultrasound-guided and delivered by Dr James Thing, with appointments usually within 0–1 weeks (versus 14–21 weeks on the NHS) at our clinics in Notting Hill, Golders Green and Henley-on-Thames.
Want a clear, all-inclusive quote? Book a consultation or call 0333 011 1885.
