Treatments
Ultrasound-guided injections
An ultrasound-guided injection is one in which the doctor sees the needle and the structure being treated on the ultrasound screen in real time. This way the treatment reaches exactly the joint, bursa or part of the tendon that is affected, with more precision than a blind injection. Depending on the case, it may contain hyaluronic acid, corticosteroid, local anaesthetic or autologous growth factors. Dr Julio De la Morena performs them at Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón (Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid).
Where they are used
- Knee, hip, ankle and small joints.
- Shoulder: joint, subacromial bursa and tendons.
- Tendons and tendon sheaths of the elbow, wrist, knee and ankle.
- Plantar fascia.
What is injected
- Hyaluronic acid for osteoarthritis.
- Corticosteroid during flare-ups of inflammation, with limited dose and frequency.
- Autologous growth factors in selected osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.
- Local anaesthetic, alone or combined, for diagnosis or pain relief.
What the procedure involves
It is done in clinic or in a prepared room, under sterile conditions. Ultrasound locates the exact spot and guides the needle throughout. It takes a few minutes and you leave walking. Strenuous effort is best avoided for the following days.
Frequently asked questions
What is the advantage of using ultrasound?
Precision: the doctor sees the needle and the structure on screen, so the treatment reaches the right place. That improves effectiveness and reduces discomfort and risks.
Does an injection hurt?
It causes brief, mild discomfort. There may be local soreness for one or two days, especially with growth factors.
How many corticosteroid injections can I have?
They are limited in number and frequency, and avoided inside tendons. Each case is assessed individually.
Request an assessment
Regenerative Therapies and Sports Medicine Unit · Hospital Memorial Publio Cordón · +34 913 548 990
Written and reviewed by Dr Julio De la Morena Garzón, specialist in Sport and Exercise Medicine (Madrid Medical Council no. 281903698). Last reviewed: October 2026. General information that does not replace a medical consultation.