What Conditions Are Treated With Steroid Injections?
Steroids often are injected directly into joints to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or other inflammatory diseases. They also can be injected into inflamed bursae or around tendons near most joints in the body. Some people report relief from osteoarthritis when steroids are injected directly into the inflamed joints. What Are the Expected Benefits of Steroid Injections? Injections into a specific area are generally well tolerated and are less likely than other forms of steroid medications to produce serious side effects. Also, the injections may help avoid the need for oral steroids or increased doses of oral steroids, which could have greater side effects. What Role Do Steroid Injections Play in an Overall Treatment Program? Steroid injections can be added to a treatment program that may already include anti-inflammatory painkiller medications, physical therapy, occupational therapy or supportive devices such as canes and braces. Whether one or more of these treatm
