Treatments > Corticosteroid Injections

Targeted Injections for Pain and Inflammation

Corticosteroid injections, also known as cortisone shots, use anti-inflammatory medication delivered to a targeted area to help reduce inflammation and pain. They may be considered for certain joint, tendon, bursa, or other inflammatory concerns based on assessment and a patient’s care plan.

Corticosteroid Injections

A corticosteroid injection - also known as a cortisone shot - is an injection that may help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Corticosteroids are manufactured medications that closely resemble cortisol, a hormone your adrenal glands produce naturally. Cortisone shots may be used to treat inflammation in joints, tendons, or bursae based on assessment and the patient’s treatment plan.

Treatment for Pain and Inflammation

Corticosteroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into targeted areas of the body. They may be considered for a variety of inflammatory or pain-related conditions after assessment.

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Inflammatory Joint Conditions

Corticosteroid injections may be considered to help reduce inflammation and pain in joints affected by certain inflammatory conditions. They may also be discussed for symptom support in osteoarthritis when a specific joint is inflamed.

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Occupational Tendinitis and Bursitis

Inflammation of tendons, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis, may be treated with corticosteroid injections to help reduce pain and swelling. Inflamed bursae may also be assessed to determine whether corticosteroid injection therapy is suitable.

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Other Inflammatory Conditions

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for select inflammatory concerns after assessment and discussion with a qualified practitioner.

Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may offer benefits for certain conditions involving inflammation when they are suitable for a patient's assessment and care plan.

Inflammation Reduction

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory agents. When injected directly into a specific area, they may help reduce inflammation and support relief from pain and swelling. Timing and response can vary by patient and condition.

Localized Treatment

Corticosteroid injections can be targeted to a specific site, delivering medication directly to the affected area. This may allow for a more focused treatment approach compared with oral or systemic forms of corticosteroids.

Pain Relief

By helping reduce inflammation, corticosteroid injections may help relieve pain associated with certain conditions, such as arthritis, tendinitis, or bursitis.

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How Corticosteroid Injections Work

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Skin Sterilization

To begin, the patient is positioned appropriately based on the injection site. This may involve sitting, lying down, or assuming a specific posture to expose the targeted area. The skin over the injection site is then cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic solution to reduce the risk of infection.

Local Anesthesia

Depending on the location and sensitivity of the injection site, the healthcare provider may choose to administer a local anesthetic to numb the area. This is not always necessary, as corticosteroid formulations often contain a local anesthetic for temporary pain relief.

Corticosteroid Injections

The healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into the targeted area, such as a joint, bursa, or tendon sheath, depending on the condition being treated and the patient's care plan. The corticosteroid medication is injected into the targeted area. The injection may also include a local anesthetic for temporary pain relief.

Reasons to Get Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may be recommended for select conditions involving inflammation or pain after assessment by a qualified practitioner.

Arthritis

Corticosteroid injections may be considered to help manage inflammation and pain associated with certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Tendinitis and Bursitis

Inflammation of tendons or bursae in areas such as the shoulder, elbow, or hip may be
assessed to determine whether corticosteroid injections could help reduce pain and swelling.

Other Inflammatory Concerns

Corticosteroid injections may be discussed for suitable inflammatory concerns after assessment and review of the patient’s health history.

FAQ

Which conditions are treated with corticosteroid injections?

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for certain conditions involving pain and inflammation, including arthritis, tendinitis, tendinopathy, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, trigger finger, and trigger thumb. Suitability depends on assessment, health history, and the treatment plan.

Are there any side effects to corticosteroid injections?

Possible side effects may include pain at the injection site, temporary swelling or bruising, temporarily increased blood sugar levels, skin discoloration or redness at the injection site, or skin lightening near the injection site. Patients with diabetes or other health concerns should discuss monitoring and aftercare with their healthcare provider.

When will I start to feel relief after a corticosteroid injection?

The time it takes for a corticosteroid injection to work varies from person to person. Pain and inflammation may not improve immediately, and it can take several days or longer to notice a change. If symptoms are not improving or are worsening, patients should contact their healthcare provider.

How often are you able to get a corticosteroid injection?

Some patients may only need one injection, while others may require additional treatment over time. The appropriate timing and frequency depends on the condition being treated, the patient's response, and their overall health profile. Your healthcare provider will advise when another injection may be appropriate.

How long does a corticosteroid injection last?

The duration of relief can vary. Some patients may experience relief for a few weeks, while others may notice benefits for longer. Response depends on the condition being treated, the severity of inflammation, and individual health factors. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if symptoms return, worsen, or new concerns develop.