Do you have a chronic pain in your shoulder, knee, or back? Sometimes this pain is accompanied by swelling. It's incredibly frustrating when the pain doesn't go away even after taking medicine and doing various things? When you go to a doctor with a problem like this, if he says, "Let's give you an injection," he might be talking about the cortisone or steroid injection we're talking about. So, before you get scared, let's talk about everything simply and clearly.
What is this cortisone or steroid injection?
Simply put, this is a drug injection that is given to reduce pain and inflammation in your body. Some people call it a 'cortisone shot', others call it a 'steroid injection'. Either way, they are the same treatment. What happens is that a type of medicine called a corticosteroid is injected into the area of your body where you are feeling pain.
Imagine, there is a hormone naturally produced by our adrenal glands, called cortisol. This synthetic drug, called a corticosteroid, is very similar to this cortisol hormone. The main function of this drug is to temporarily control the immune system's process that causes swelling in a certain part of the body. That is, to "calm down" that part.
Doctors usually use this steroid injection to control swelling and pain in your joints. For example:
- Shoulders
- Spine
- Hands
- Hip bones
- Knees
- Soles
This injection is useful not only for joints, but also sometimes for inflammation of tendons and bursae, the fluid-filled sacs around joints.
What conditions are treated with this injection?
A doctor may recommend this treatment for any condition that causes pain and swelling. Let's take a look at some of the most common cases.
| Medical condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Autoimmune diseases | Diseases in which the body's immune system attacks its own cells (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis). |
| Arthritis | Arthritis, which means swelling and pain in the joints. |
| Tendinitis / Tendinopathy | Swelling and pain in the tendons that connect bones and muscles. |
| Bursitis | Swelling of the cushion-like sacs called bursae near the joints. |
| Carpal tunnel syndrome | Numbness and pain in the hand caused by compression of a nerve that passes through the wrist. |
| Tennis elbow | Pain in the tendon area on the outside of the elbow. |
| Trigger finger | A painful condition in which a finger becomes stuck when bent and extends with a clicking sound. |
What happens when the injection is given?
This is usually a simple thing that can be done in the doctor's office (office visit). Sometimes they will ask you to make an appointment on a different day.
The doctor inserts the needle exactly where the pain and swelling are and injects the medicine. Sometimes, especially if the injection is deep into a joint, they even use an ultrasound machine to make sure the needle is in the right place.
Does this hurt?
This is a problem for many people. In fact, you may feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle is inserted into your skin. But it is not unbearable. Most of the time, your doctor will inject a small amount of local anesthetic into the area before giving the injection. So you will not feel much pain.
If you have any fears or concerns about injections, don't hesitate to tell your doctor. He or she can help you calm down and cope more easily.
What exactly does this injection do? Does it affect the whole body?
This is a very important question. Since the injection is given right where the pain and swelling are, the medicine has the most effect only in that area.
Inflammation usually occurs when our immune system sends cells to fight an infection or injury. What this injection does is "calm down" the immune system's response by limiting it to that area. This reduces both pain and swelling.
A very small amount of the drug can enter the bloodstream and travel throughout the body. But the amount is so small that you usually don't even notice the effects it has on your entire body.
What are the benefits and side effects of a steroid injection?
Like any treatment, there are benefits and potential side effects. The main benefit is that you will get quick relief from pain and swelling, allowing you to resume your normal activities.
Now let's look at the possible side effects. Remember, these don't happen to everyone.
| Side Effects | |
|---|---|
| Common Side Effects | |
| Pain | Feeling a little sore for a day or two where the injection was given. |
| Temporary swelling | After the injection, the area will temporarily swell a little more. |
| Bruises | There may be some bruising around the needle insertion site. |
| Blood sugar level | People with diabetes may experience temporary increases in blood sugar levels for up to 5 days. Therefore, it is important to check blood sugar levels frequently during these days. |
| Skin discoloration | Very rarely, paleness or discoloration of the skin at the injection site may occur. |
| Rare but things to be aware of (Rare Side Effects) | |
| Infections | Infection at the injection site. |
| High blood pressure (Hypertension) | Temporary increase in blood pressure. |
| Fluid retention in the body | Increased swelling due to water retention. |
| Thinning of bones | People who take steroid injections frequently and for long periods of time may be at risk of developing osteoporosis. |
Are there times when you should not get a steroid injection?
Yes, there are some cases.
The main thing is that you should not get this injection if you have an active infection in your body. This is because steroids temporarily suppress the immune system, making it less able to fight the infection.
Also, if you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia, you should definitely tell your doctor about it.
Some questions you often think about
How long does it take to feel better after the injection?
This varies from person to person. Sometimes it can take up to a week to feel relief. So don't worry if the pain doesn't go away after the injection. But if there's no relief after 10 days, talk to your doctor again.
How often can I get this injection?
A single injection may be enough for a temporary injury, but if you have a chronic condition, you may need more injections in the future.
Doctors usually allow at least 3 months between injections in the same area. Also, no more than 3-4 injections in the same joint per year. Your doctor is the best person to decide on this.
How long does the effect of this injection last?
This also varies from person to person. Usually, relief can last from a few weeks to a few months . If the swelling is caused by an injury, this relief will be enough until the body heals. If it is a chronic condition, symptoms may recur over time.
When should I see the doctor again?
- If the pain and swelling have not subsided after 10 days of receiving the injection.
- If symptoms reappear after a few months.
Also, if you experience any of the following symptoms after receiving the injection, see a doctor immediately.
- If there is severe pain .
- If you get a fever .
- If the swelling at the injection site is increasing.
A little confusion: Is this the same type of bodybuilding 'steroid'?
This is very important and needs to be clarified. No. This is not that type of steroid.
The type of steroid that doctors give for pain and swelling is called corticosteroids . Their purpose is to control swelling in the body. They are very safe when used under medical advice.
The type of steroid that athletes or bodybuilders sometimes use illegally is called anabolic steroids . These are a synthetic form of the male hormone testosterone. Their purpose is to build muscle. Using them without a doctor's prescription can cause very serious, even life-threatening, side effects.
So don't confuse the two. The steroid injection your doctor gives you is a completely different and safer treatment.
Take-Home Message
- Steroid injections (cortisone shots) are a very effective treatment for reducing pain and swelling in a specific area of the body.
- These are generally safe. Side effects are often minor and temporary.
- If you have diabetes, bleeding disorders, or are taking blood thinners, be sure to inform your doctor.
- The relief from an injection can last from a few weeks to a few months.
- These are not the dangerous anabolic steroids used for bodybuilding.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions. If you have any problems, contact your doctor immediately.
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