Steroid Injections

What are Steroid Injections?

• Steroid injections contain corticosteroids, a type of medication that helps reduce inflammation. Reducing inflammation can significantly decrease pain, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis.
• The injection is typically given directly into the affected joint or tissue, such as the knee, shoulder, or hip, to target the area of pain more precisely.

How Do Steroid Injections Work?

• Corticosteroids work by decreasing inflammation, which is often a major source of pain and swelling in arthritis and similar conditions.
• By reducing inflammation in the joint or tissue, steroids can relieve pain and improve mobility, sometimes quite rapidly.

Benefits of Steroid Injections

• Quick Pain Relief: Many people experience pain relief within a few days of the injection, and relief can last for weeks or even months.
• Improved Mobility: Reducing inflammation can improve joint function, allowing you to move more comfortably and carry out daily activities more easily.
• Alternative to Oral Medications: For those who prefer to avoid regular use of oral anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections offer a targeted alternative.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

• Steroid injections are usually performed in the doctor’s office, often with a local anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable.
• Some patients may experience temporary soreness at the injection site, but this usually subsides within a day or two.
• You may start feeling relief within a few days, with the peak effect occurring over the following weeks.

Is This Treatment Right for You?

• Steroid injections are often recommended for moderate to severe pain due to osteoarthritis or other inflammatory conditions, especially if other treatments haven’t provided enough relief.
• It’s usually considered a short-term solution, as repeated injections can lead to potential side effects.

Safety and Risks

• Steroid injections are generally safe but, like any procedure, do carry some risks.
• Potential Side Effects: Short-term side effects may include temporary pain or swelling at the injection site, known as a "flare." Less commonly, there can be an infection or bleeding in the joint.
• Limitations on Frequency: Frequent steroid injections in the same joint can weaken cartilage over time, so they are typically spaced out and used only when needed.
• Systemic Effects: Though rare, repeated steroid injections may have effects on blood sugar levels, especially for people with diabetes, and could lead to weakening of the surrounding tendons and ligaments over time.

Steroid injections can be an effective option for relieving pain and improving function, particularly if other treatments haven’t worked.