Steroid injections are a minimally invasive procedure for relieving the discomforting pain from inflamed joints. The injections are typically delivered directly into the painful area to help reduce inflammation and pain. The significant pain relief from this treatment allows the arthritis condition to gradually improve while participating in physical therapy or an exercise routine.
Where are steroid injections injected?
There are several areas of the body where a doctor can insert steroid injections, including:
- Hand, elbow and shoulder
- Foot, knee and ankle
- Hip joint
- Spinal facet joints
- Coccyx and sacroiliac joint
- How do steroid injections work?
A joint steroid injection contains the active hydrocortisone ingredient. The injection gradually releases hydrocortisone into the specific joint or body part that is inflamed or in pain. Like other steroids, these injections work by calming down the immune system, thus reducing inflammation at the site and relieving swelling and pain.
Why get steroid injections for arthritis?
You could benefit significantly from steroid injections if you suffer from inflammatory arthritis conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. These injections may also help treat other conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Gout
- Back pain
- Bursitis
- Psoriatic arthritis
Who can get steroid injections?
Anyone with pain due to joint inflammation stands to benefit significantly from getting steroid injections. In most cases, these injections are ideal for people that don’t respond well to other traditional treatments like anti-inflammatory medicine, physical therapy or rest. Nevertheless, pregnant women, people with bleeding issues, and those with an infection should not get a joint steroid injection.
Do steroid injections have side effects?
Steroid injections for arthritis are generally safe and cause minimal side effects like swelling and pain in the affected area. However, that pain typically subsides within one or two days. You can also take pain-relieving medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol to help ease the pain. Furthermore, ensure enough rest for at least one day after your steroid injection.
Is there any limit on steroid injections?
There is a concern that getting repeated steroid injections may damage the joint cartilage. Hence, doctors limit how many injections they shoot into a specific joint. Generally, it would be best if you did not get these injections more than five times annually. That way, you can avoid any possible side effects that may occur with repeated use and larger doses.
Do you need steroid injections for your arthritis? <a href=”https://drstephaniebarrett.com/contact/”>Contact Dr Stephanie Barrett</a> today to book your appointment.
