Steroid Joint Injections: Targeted relief for joint pain and inflammation
Are you experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness that interfere with your daily life? If conservative treatments like oral medication and physical therapy haven’t provided enough relief, a steroid joint injection may be a beneficial option.
What are steroid joint injections?
A steroid joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into or near a painful joint. The injection typically contains two components:
- Corticosteroid: A potent, synthetic version of a hormone naturally produced by the body, designed to reduce inflammation.
- Local anesthetic: A numbing agent that provides immediate, short-term pain relief.
How do they work?
The steroid medication reduces inflammation at the source by targeting the inflammatory cells that cause pain and swelling. By calming this inflammatory response, the injection can decrease discomfort and improve joint function.
What can steroid injections treat?
Steroid joint injections are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation from a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
They can be administered to many different areas, such as the knee, shoulder, hip, spine, elbow, wrist, and foot.
What to expect during the procedure
The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes only a few minutes.
- Preparation: The injection site is thoroughly cleaned with an antiseptic to prevent infection.
- Numbing: A local anesthetic may be used as a spray or separate injection to minimize any discomfort from the needle.
- Guidance: For precision, the doctor may use ultrasound or fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) to guide the needle to the exact location.
- Injection: Once the needle is in place, the medication is injected. You may feel some pressure during this step.
What to expect after the procedure
- Initial relief: The local anesthetic may provide immediate pain relief for a few hours.
- Post-injection soreness: Once the numbing agent wears off, some patients experience temporary soreness or a “flare” of pain for 24 to 48 hours. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help alleviate this.
- Delayed effects: The corticosteroid itself typically begins to work within a few days, with peak relief often felt after about one week.
- Recovery: You can usually resume normal activities the next day, but your doctor may recommend avoiding strenuous activity for a short period.
Important considerations and risks
While steroid injections are considered safe, there are some potential risks and side effects:
- Temporary increase in pain: Known as a “steroid flare.”
- Elevated blood sugar: Patients with diabetes should monitor their blood glucose levels closely for several days after the injection.
- Infection: A rare but serious risk.
- Tendon damage: Repeated injections into the same area can weaken tendons over time.
- Skin changes: Thinning or lightening of the skin at the injection site.
Due to the risk of cartilage and tendon damage, doctors generally limit the number of injections into a single joint to a few per year.
Is a steroid injection right for you?
Your doctor can determine if a steroid joint injection is a suitable part of your treatment plan. They will review your medical history and imaging studies to create the best course of action for your specific needs.