Who Can Have a Corticosteroid Injection?
Generally steroid injections are very safe, but there are certain occasions that they should not be used: • Artificial Joint – If the joint has previously been replaced and there is an artificial joint in place then the risk of infection is higher and it is generally considered unwise to introduce an injection into the joint. The exception to this is when the surgeon who replaced the joint feels that the injection is justified. • Previous allergic reaction to the medication. If someone has had a previous allergic reaction to any of the medications to be used, then that injection should be avoided for fear of an anaphylactic reaction. • Infection in the joint – any joint which is suspected to have an infection in it should not be injected • Immediately after injury- A corticosteroid injection should not be used in the very early stages after an injury because it could induce further bleeding and worsen the injury • Systemic Infection- a corticosteroid joint injection should not be done
