Steroid Injections: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
Inflammation, pain, or swelling are common symptoms of steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections. As a result of these injections, powerful anti-inflammatory medications are delivered directly to the affected area, relieving symptoms and promoting healing. Physicians or physiotherapists typically administer steroid injections to target specific joints, muscles, tendons, or other tissues in the body.
Preparation
A patient may need to do the following before receiving a steroid injection:
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Patients will undergo a medical evaluation in order to determine if they are suitable candidates for the procedure. Their medical history and current medications will also be reviewed by the healthcare provider.
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A healthcare provider will discuss the potential risks and benefits of steroid injections with the patient and address any concerns or questions they may have.
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Before undergoing a procedure, patients will typically be required to provide informed consent.
Procedure
Steroid injections typically involve the following steps:
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In order to reduce the risk of infection, the healthcare provider will clean the skin over the injection site with an antiseptic solution.
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A local anesthetic may be injected into the skin or tissues surrounding the injection site to numb the area and minimize discomfort.
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A thin needle will be used to inject the steroid medication directly into the affected area by the healthcare provider. Depending on the condition being treated, the medication can be injected into a joint, muscle, tendon, bursa, or other tissue.
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A healthcare provider may use imaging techniques such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy after administering the injection to confirm that the medication was delivered to the intended site.
Recovery
Patients can expect the following after receiving a steroid injection:
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To ensure that there are no immediate complications or adverse reactions to the injection, patients may be monitored in a recovery area for a short period of time.
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Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a short period following the injection to allow the medication to take effect and minimize the risk of injury.
Risks
Although steroid injections are generally considered safe and effective, they can have some risks and side effects, including:
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It is common for patients to experience temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site, which resolves within a few days.
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If proper sterile techniques are not followed during injection, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
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In rare cases, steroid injections may damage surrounding tissues, including tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
Aftercare
Patients may need to do the following after receiving a steroid injection:
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Patients should monitor the injection site for any signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or drainage, and report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.
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In most cases, patients will need to schedule follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their progress, assess the injection's effectiveness, and determine if additional treatment is needed.
Many inflammatory and painful conditions can be treated effectively with steroid injections. Patients can maximize the benefits of steroid injections and minimize the risk of complications by understanding the procedure, following proper preparation and aftercare instructions, and communicating openly with their healthcare provider.
