Steroid Injections in Southport

If you have an inflamed or swollen joint, or if you have pain or inflammation near a joint, our physiotherapist can inject a steroid preparation into the affected area. These can be used to treat problems such as joint pain, arthritis, sciatica and inflammatory bowel disease. Our Steroid injections at Secrets Medical Centre, also called corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions.

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How steroid injections work

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Steroids are a man-made version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, two small glands found above the kidneys. When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. This can help relieve pain and stiffness.

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When injected into the blood, they can reduce inflammation throughout the body, as well as reduce the activity of the immune system, the body’s natural defence against illness and infection. This can help treat autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body.

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How steroid injections are given

 

They can be given in several different ways, including:

• into a joint (an intra-articular injection)

• into a muscle (an intramuscular injection)

• into the spine (an epidural injection)

• into the blood (an intravenous injection)

 

The injections normally take a few days to start working, although some work in a few hours. The effect usually wears off after a few months.

 

Who can have steroid injections

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Most people can have steroid injections. Tell your doctor before having treatment if you:

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• have had a steroid injection in the last few weeks – you usually need to wait at least six weeks between injections

• you’ve had three steroid injections in the last year – doctors usually recommend no more than three injections in the same area in the space of 12 months

• have had an allergic reaction to steroids in the past

• have an infection (including eye infections)

• have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations

• are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby

• have any other conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or problems with your liver, heart or kidneys

• are taking other medicines, such as anticoagulants

 

What are the Expected Benefits of Steroid Injections?

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Local steroid injections are generally well tolerated and are less likely than other forms of steroid medications to produce serious side effects. Before a joint is injected with a steroid, joint fluid may be removed for testing. Testing the joint fluid is especially important if the diagnosis is uncertain. Steroid injections often reduce joint inflammation, helping preserve joint structure and function.

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Steroid injections may help avoid the need for oral steroids or increased doses of oral steroids, which could have greater side effects.