If you’ve been dealing with joint pain from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or bursitis, you may have heard about steroid injections. Let’s discuss how these injections work, when they’re most effective, and what you should consider.

How Do Steroid Injections Work?

Steroid injections use a type of medicine called corticosteroids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory agents. When injected directly into the affected joint, they work by reducing inflammation and swelling, thereby relieving pain. Steroids don't cure the condition, but they can provide significant symptom relief.

When Are Steroid Injections Most Effective?

Steroid injections are most effective for localized joint pain, especially when the inflammation is limited to one or a few joints. They are often recommended if other treatments, like NSAIDs or physical therapy, haven’t worked well enough or when inflammation is severe. You’ll typically feel improvement within 1-3 days, and the effects can last for several weeks or even months.

Benefits:

• Quick and targeted relief: By delivering the steroid directly into the joint, the inflammation is tackled at its source, offering faster and more focused pain relief compared to oral medications.

• Reduced need for oral medications: Steroid injections can help lower your reliance on NSAIDs or other painkillers, reducing the risk of their side effects.

• Improved joint function: After the inflammation decreases, you’ll often find that your range of motion and joint function improve significantly.

Costs:

Steroid injections are typically more cost-effective compared to long-term oral medication use, especially considering the relief they offer over a longer period. These injections are usually covered by insurance.

Side Effects:

Though steroid injections are generally safe, there are a few side effects to be aware of:

• Temporary flare-up: You might experience increased pain or swelling for the first 24-48 hours after the injection. This usually subsides on its own.

• Skin changes: Some patients notice lightening of the skin or thinning of the skin at the injection site.

• Joint infection: Very rarely, an infection can occur at the injection site. Signs include increased redness, warmth, and swelling.

• Recurrent use issues: Frequent steroid injections (more than 3-4 times a year in the same joint) may weaken cartilage and soft tissues over time.

Precautions:

• Diabetes: Steroid injections can cause a temporary rise in blood sugar levels, so if you have diabetes, monitoring your levels is important after an injection.

• Frequency: To protect your joints, we limit the number of steroid injections you receive in a year. The exact number will depend on the joint and your overall health.

• Rest: After the injection, I recommend resting the joint for a couple of days to allow the steroid to work effectively. Light activity can usually resume within a week.

Steroid injections can be an excellent option if you're struggling with joint inflammation and pain. They offer targeted, fast relief, often with minimal side effects. As always, we’ll discuss whether this treatment is right for you based on your condition, medical history, and symptoms.

If you have any questions about the injection process or how it can help with your joint pain, feel free to ask during your next visit.