Corticosteroid Injection

A corticosteroid injection is a medical procedure where a corticosteroid medication is injected into the body to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

What are Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone that is produced naturally by the adrenal gland. They can also be synthesized and used as medications. Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them useful in treating a variety of conditions.

Types of Corticosteroid Injections

There are several types of corticosteroid injections, including:

• Intra-articular injections: injected into a joint to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
• Soft tissue injections: injected into soft tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bursae to treat conditions such as tendonitis and bursitis.
• Epidural injections: injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord to treat conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis.
• Trigger point injections: injected into specific areas of muscle tissue to treat conditions such as myofascial pain syndrome.

How is a Corticosteroid Injection Performed?

A corticosteroid injection is typically performed in a doctor's office or clinic. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. The skin is cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic solution.
2. A local anesthetic may be used to numb the area where the injection will be given.
3. The corticosteroid medication is drawn into a syringe and injected into the affected area using a needle.
4. The needle is then removed and the area may be covered with a bandage or dressing.

Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can provide several benefits, including:

• Pain relief: corticosteroids can help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area.
• Reduced inflammation: corticosteroids can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the affected area.
• Improved mobility: by reducing pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections can help improve mobility and range of motion.

Risks and Side Effects of Corticosteroid Injections

While corticosteroid injections are generally safe, there are some potential risks and side effects to be aware of, including:

• Pain at the injection site: some people may experience pain or discomfort at the injection site.
• Infection: as with any invasive medical procedure, there is a risk of infection with corticosteroid injections.
• Bleeding or bruising: some people may experience bleeding or bruising at the injection site.
• Temporary increase in blood sugar: corticosteroids can cause a temporary increase in blood sugar levels.

Contraindications for Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications. Contraindications for corticosteroid injections include:

• Active infection: people with active infections should not receive corticosteroid injections.
• Bleeding disorders: people with bleeding disorders, such as hemophilia, may be at increased risk of bleeding with corticosteroid injections.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: corticosteroid injections should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women.