Steroid Injections

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone or cortisone, are potent anti-inflammatory drugs which are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. They are used for short-term symptom relief and are part of a broader arthritis management plan, which may include other medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
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Some conditions which they can help are:

  • Inflammatory joint conditions: such as various forms of arthritis, bursitis and tendinitis.
  • Allergic reactions: Severe allergies or asthma.
  • Skin conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, or dermatitis.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Respiratory conditions: Asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

How do corticosteroid injections work?

Corticosteroid injections are medical treatments that involve the direct injection of corticosteroid medications into a specific area of the body to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. When injected into a specific area of the body, these synthetic hormones inhibit the release of inflammatory substances like cytokines, that contribute to the pain, swelling, and joint damage in arthritis.
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How long do corticosteroid injections last?

The effectiveness of corticosteroids can vary significantly depending on your physiology and the joint or tissue into which it is injected.

For example, for knees, the effectiveness can often be longer lasting as there is more anatomical ‘space’ between joint surfaces and more synovial fluid in which the injection cocktail can mix with and take effect. However, in hips, it is more difficult to accurately inject directly into the joint space, and there is less synovial fluid present in the joint space, so the pain relieving affect of injections can last as little as 6-8 weeks.

More recent research and anecdotal data as also finding that the number of people corticosteroid injections help for longer than 3 months is less than 50%. 

Are corticosteroid injections safe?

Corticosteroid injections are generally considered safe when administered by a qualified healthcare professional.

However, they are not without their potential risks such as, pain at the injection site, temporary flare-ups of inflammation and risk of infection.

Moreover, repeated corticosteroid injections have the potential to be chondrotoxic, which means they can have detrimental effects on cartilage in joints. The extent of chondrotoxicity can vary depending on factors like the type and dose of corticosteroid used, the frequency of injections, and the specific joint being treated. 

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Chews Health’s Top Tip

While injections can be a significant aid in relieving the symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions, they should not be used in isolation and should always be part of a bigger picture of treatment which is aiming to help rehabilitate or condition the affected joint or tissue where possible. Always make sure you have received a thorough assessment from a trustworthy and licensed health care professional.
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