Corticosteroid injections are a widely used treatment option for managing pain and inflammation, particularly in conditions affecting the joints and soft tissues. Various injections have been used over the years to treat musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections use synthetic versions of hormones produced in the body to decrease inflammation and pain.
How do Corticosteroid Injections work?
Corticosteroids are synthetic analogs of natural hormones. When injected into painful joints or tissues, steroid injections, or cortisone shots, decrease inflammation and pain by decreasing the body’s inflammatory processes in the immediate area around the injection site.
What do Corticosteroid Injections treat?
Corticosteroid Injections can be administered into various joints, such as shoulders, knees, hips, facet joints or the epidural space in the spine.
They are effective for a variety of pain-related conditions, including:
- Bursitis
- Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Trigger Finger
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
How often are Corticosteroid Injections given?
The frequency of corticosteroid injections is dependent on the individual’s injury or condition and their response to the treatments. For an injury, one injection may be sufficient to relieve pain while the area heals and rejuvenates. For chronic conditions, the patient may need multiple injections, up to four injections in a year.
What are the potential complications of Corticosteroid Injections?
While corticosteroid injections are generally considered safe and effective, they are not without risks.
Common side effects include:
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain at the injections site
- Increased blood sugar levels, especially in diabetics
Severe complications are rare but can include infections and hypertension.
Frequent use and repeated injections may increase the risk of osteoporosis or loss of cartilage in the joint. If the patient received multiple or frequent injections, the cumulative dose must be carefully monitored to reduce the risk of systemic effects, especially in higher-risk populations.
Are there any contraindications for Corticosteroid Injections?
Corticosteroid injections may be contraindicated in patients with certain medical conditions. Patients should not receive steroid injections if they have active infections, uncontrolled diabetes, or glaucoma.
Cautions should be exercised in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulants.
Conclusion
Corticosteroid injections offer effective pain relief for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions by reducing inflammation in the area. While generally considered safe, it is crucial to consider potential side effects and contraindications, especially for patients with specific health conditions such as diabetes. With proper administration and monitoring, steroid injections can be a valuable pain management method.
How do corticosteroid injections compare with other injection therapies for pain control? Check out our Summary and Comparison Chart.
Sources:
- Corticosteroids – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)
- Systemic Absorption and Side Effects of Locally Injected Glucocorticoids – Stout – 2019 – PM&R – Wiley Online Library
- Debate: Intra-articular steroid injections for osteoarthritis – harmful or helpful?☆,☆☆ – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Steroid efficacy in Meralgia Paresthetica: A systematic review and meta-analysis | Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences (pjms.org.pk)
- Cortisone Shots (Steroid Injections): Benefits & Side Effects (clevelandclinic.org)
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