Are there any potential complications of steroid injections?
Yes, the most serious potential complication of a steroid injection into a joint is an infection of the joint which is a serious condition that would require hospitalisation, drainage and washout of the joint and a course of intravenous antibiotics. If a joint becomes infected the joint lining cartilage may die and the surfaces can rapidly become arthritic. I perform a large number of shoulder steroid injections each week and to date this complication has not been part of my practice.
