H&L Injection: For Joint and Tendon Pain Relief
Information reviewed by: Dr Foo Gen Lin | Last updated: Feb 20, 2026
Dealing with persistent joint or tendon inflammation? Dr Foo provides H&L injections to deliver targeted relief and support your recovery.
MBBS (University of London) | MMed (Ortho) | FRCSEd (Ortho) | FAMS (Ortho)
What Is an H&L Injection?
An H&L injection combines hydrocortisone (a
corticosteroid) and lignocaine (a local
anaesthetic) to reduce inflammation and provide
short-term pain relief for musculoskeletal conditions involving the joints, tendons,
or soft tissues.
It is typically considered when conservative measures such as rest, physiotherapy, or oral
anti-inflammatory medication have not provided sufficient relief.
How Does an H&L Injection Work?
An H&L injection delivers a dual-action combination directly into or around the affected area to provide both immediate and longer-term relief:
- Hydrocortisone acts gradually by reducing inflammation at the cellular level, which helps to ease swelling, restore movement, and prevent symptoms from recurring.
- Lignocaine provides rapid pain relief by numbing the area, offering almost immediate reduction in discomfort.
Together, these effects support rehabilitation and help restore function more effectively than either medication used alone.
What Conditions Are Commonly Treated with H&L Injections?
H&L injections are used to manage pain and inflammation associated with a range of orthopaedic and sports-related conditions. These include:
| Region | Examples of Conditions |
|---|---|
| Foot & Ankle |
|
| Hand |
|
| Hip |
|
| Knee |
|
| Shoulder & Elbow |
|
| Spine |
|
Unsure whether an H&L injection is suitable for your condition? Consult our orthopaedic specialists for a proper evaluation and personalised treatment guidance to support your recovery today. How Is an H&L Injection Administered?
An H&L injection is administered directly into or around the affected joint, tendon, or soft tissue. The procedure typically takes only a few minutes and involves:
- Identifying the specific area to target based on clinical examination and, when necessary, imaging guidance such as ultrasound.
- Cleaning the injection site to minimise risk of infection.
- The mixture of hydrocortisone and lignocaine is slowly injected into or around the affected joint, tendon, or soft tissue.
In some cases, temporary rest or activity modification may be advised for 24 to 48 hours following the injection.
How Long Does Pain Relief From an H&L Injection Last?
Pain relief from an H&L injection typically begins within minutes, due to the
fast-acting effect of lignocaine. The anti-inflammatory benefit of hydrocortisone tends to appear
more gradually, usually within 24 to 72 hours.
Relief duration varies depending on the condition treated and individual response, but the effects
may last from several weeks to a few months.
Repeat injections can be considered if symptoms return. However, the frequency is generally limited
to reduce the risk of tissue weakening associated with repeated corticosteroid exposure.
What Are Potential Side Effects of H&L Injections?
While H&L injections are widely used in orthopaedic and sports medicine, they may be associated with certain side effects. These can include:
- Temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site
- Localised skin thinning or discolouration
- Tendon weakening or rupture with repeated use in the same area
- Infection at the injection site, although this is uncommon
- Rare but serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, widespread rash, or dizziness
Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of side effects, and individual experiences may vary. Please consult your doctor or orthopaedic specialist for personalised advice before proceeding with this treatment.
Who Might H&L Injections Not Be Suitable For?
H&L injections may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions or risk factors. These may include:
- Active infection near or within the planned injection area
- Known allergy to hydrocortisone, lignocaine, or related medications
- Uncontrolled diabetes or blood clotting disorders
- Recent joint surgery or unstable joints
- A history of limited or poor response to previous corticosteroid injections
A clinical assessment is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition and overall health.
How Much Do H&L Injections Cost?
At Apex Sports Clinic, we provide H&L injections to treat appropriate musculoskeletal conditions for suitable individuals. Our prices are as follows:
| Treatment | Price* |
|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | From $200 |
| Follow-Up Consultation | From $150 |
| Second Opinion Consultation | From $200 |
| H&L Injection | From $250 per injection |
*All prices are NETT.
What Are the Alternative or Complementary Treatments to H&L Injections?
Several alternative or complementary treatments may be considered, depending on the condition being treated and how you respond to H&L injections. These options include:
- Physiotherapy – Exercise-based treatment that improves strength, mobility, and function. It complements H&L injections by supporting long-term recovery rather than providing medication-based relief.
- Oral anti-inflammatory medication – Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce pain and inflammation systemically. They are less targeted than an H&L injection, which delivers anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the affected area.
- Shockwave therapy – A non-invasive technique that uses acoustic energy to stimulate tissue healing. It serves as an alternative to H&L injections for chronic tendinopathies where repeated medication-based interventions are not preferred.
- Hyaluronic acid injections – A lubricant-based injection commonly used for knee osteoarthritis. Unlike H&L injections, which reduce inflammation, hyaluronic acid focuses on improving joint cushioning and movement.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections – A regenerative treatment that uses the patient's own platelets to promote tissue repair. It differs from H&L injections by aiming to enhance healing rather than providing anti-inflammatory relief.
H&L injections combine anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic effects for targeted relief. They can help to manage inflammation and get you back to your daily activities.
Dr Foo Gen Lin
Where to Get H&L Injections in Singapore?
Apex Novena
admin@apexsportsclinic.sg
101 Irrawaddy Rd, #18-12 Royal Square Medical Centre, Singapore 329565
Nearest MRT: NS20 Novena (3-min walk)
Wheelchair Accessible
Apex East Coast
admin@apexsportsclinic.sg
112 East Coast Rd, #03-03/04 i12 Katong, Singapore 428802
Nearest MRT: TE26 Marine Parade (7-min walk)
Wheelchair Accessible
Why Do Patients Choose Apex Sports Clinic?
Sports Doctor in Singapore: Personalised & Affordable Care
Progressive Treatment Philosophy
We prioritise personalised, non-invasive solutions, progressing to specialised treatments, including surgery, only when needed for more effective and targeted care.
Keyhole Surgery Expertise
We specialise in advanced arthroscopic keyhole surgery to treat sports injuries with precision and minimal tissue disruption, supporting faster recovery and restored joint function.
Specialist in Sports Orthopaedics & Injury Management
We combine expert injury management with a proactive approach to maintaining your body's strength and function, so you can recover fully and perform at your peak.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The H&L injection is used to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief in joints, tendons, and soft tissues affected by musculoskeletal conditions. It may be considered when symptoms do not improve with rest, physiotherapy, or oral anti-inflammatory medicine. If you are unsure whether your symptoms are suitable for this treatment, it is advisable to consult an orthopaedic specialist.
Doctors may limit cortisone or H&L injections because repeated use can increase the risk of side effects such as tendon weakening, skin changes, or temporary rises in blood sugar. They are therefore used carefully and usually paired with rehabilitation to support long-term improvement. Despite these considerations, they can provide meaningful short-term relief when symptoms do not improve with other conservative measures.
The most suitable injection for knee pain depends on the underlying cause, as different injections address different mechanisms. H&L injections may help reduce inflammation, whereas hyaluronic acid improves lubrication and platelet-rich plasma aims to support tissue healing. It is advisable to consult an orthopaedic specialist for an assessment to determine which option aligns with your condition and treatment goals.
The most appropriate injection for arthritis varies by joint, severity, and individual response. H&L injections may offer short-term relief by reducing inflammation, while hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma may be considered for specific cases such as knee osteoarthritis. If you suspect arthritis or have ongoing symptoms, it is advisable to seek a clinical evaluation to determine the most suitable treatment.
A hydrocortisone or H&L injection is mainly used to reduce inflammation and ease pain in affected joints, tendons, or soft tissues. Its targeted delivery helps when symptoms do not improve with conservative measures such as oral anti-inflammatory medicine or physiotherapy, and it may support better mobility and comfort during recovery.
Injecting hydrocortisone directly into the knee joint allows the medicine to act on the specific area of inflammation, offering more targeted relief than oral medication. It may be considered for conditions such as osteoarthritis or bursitis when symptoms do not respond to conservative care. It is advisable to consult your doctor or knee specialist to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for your condition.