Steroid Injections for Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes, pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints. Treatment for arthritis may vary, but the main goal is to reduce inflammation and pain. Most patients may try several different treatment options before finding a method that works best for their individual condition. Steroid injections are an advanced treatment option for patients with arthritis and other sources of joint pain, that have not responded well to other treatments such as exercise and oral medications. These injections deliver relief directly to the source of the pain and are considered safe for nearly all patients.
Most steroid injections provide immediate anti-inflammatory relief by being injected directly into the affected joint. These injections are an effective method of treatment to reduce the swelling of tendons and ease pressure on the nerve. A steroid medication such as cortisone, is injected directly into the inflamed area and works by minimizing the body's reaction to inflammation. As the inflammation decreases, the pressure is relieved, therefore causing pain and discomfort to subside. As a result, patients experience a decrease in symptoms such as pain, swelling, numbness or stiffness. Symptoms may subside within a few days and the results of the injection may last for a few weeks or up to a few months.