With just weeks until the London Marathon, many runners are dealing with pain that’s threatening to derail their training. A common question we hear at Complete Physio is whether a pain-relieving injection, such as a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid, is a safe and effective option to get them to the start line.
In this post, we answer the most frequently asked questions about steroid injections, alternative options, and how to time treatment in the final stretch before race day.
How long before the marathon should I have a steroid injection?
Steroid injections usually take 3-5 days to start working. We recommend avoiding high-impact training for about a week after the injection. Once it kicks in, pain relief typically lasts around two months.
If you’re struggling with marathon-related pain and considering an injection, aim to have it 2-4 weeks before race day. That gives you enough time to ease back into training and assess whether it’s helping.
How long do steroid injections last?
Steroid injections often provide pain relief for up to two months, sometimes longer depending on the injury and training load. If timed properly, one injection can get you through to the finish line.
Is it safe to have an injection while still training?
It depends on the location of the injection and your injury. We typically advise against injecting around weight-bearing tendons like the Achilles or patellar tendon if you’re still doing heavy mileage.
However, injections are generally considered safe for conditions like:
- Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome
- Trochanteric bursitis (outer hip pain)
Your physiotherapist or clinician will guide you based on your symptoms and training status.
Are there alternatives to steroid injections?
Yes. One option we offer is a Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injection. HA is particularly useful for joint pain in the knee or ankle where there’s little inflammation but ongoing discomfort. These injections typically take two weeks to take effect and are best suited for low-grade, non-inflammatory joint pain.
Want to learn more? See our Hyaluronic Acid Injections patient info page.
Can I have an injection on race day to help with pain?
Yes, but this is generally limited to slow-release local anaesthetic injections, which provide 12–18 hours of pain relief. These are typically used for one-off, event-specific situations. The most common injection we carry out on the morning of the race is for ITB friction syndrome or “Runners knee’.
We run a Marathon Morning Drop-in Clinic, where runners can receive a local anaesthetic injection just before the race. These must be pre-booked at least two days in advance.
Final Thoughts
💬 Need advice or want to book a consultation?
📧 Email us at injections@complete-physio.co.uk
📞 Or give us a call on 020 7482 3875
🏃♂️💡 Want more expert tips?
Check out our blog on 👉 Top Tips for Marathon Recovery – packed with advice to help you bounce back stronger and faster!