Steroid Injection

Overview

Steroid injections are a common treatment used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in various parts of the body, including the spine, joints, and soft tissues. These injections deliver corticosteroids directly to the affected area, offering targeted relief from conditions that cause chronic pain and discomfort. Steroid injections can be an effective non-surgical option for managing pain and improving mobility.

Symptoms

Steroid injections may be recommended for individuals experiencing:

• Persistent joint pain or swelling
• Chronic back or neck pain
• Inflammation-related pain in conditions like arthritis or bursitis
• Pain radiating from the spine to the arms or legs (sciatica)
• Reduced mobility or difficulty performing daily activities due to pain

Causes

Steroid injections are often used to treat a variety of conditions that involve inflammation and pain, including:

• Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Herniated discs: Discs pressing on spinal nerves causing back pain and sciatica.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal that can lead to nerve compression.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) that cushion the joints.
• Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to repetitive strain or injury.
• Plantar fasciitis: Inflammation of the tissue connecting the heel to the toes, causing foot pain.
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Pain in the lower back and buttocks due to inflammation or dysfunction in the sacroiliac joint.

When to See a Consultant

You should consider seeing a specialist if:

• You have chronic pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications or physical therapy.
• Pain and inflammation interfere with your daily activities or quality of life.
• You experience swelling, redness, or stiffness in the joints or back.
• Pain radiates to other parts of the body, such as the arms or legs.

Early intervention can help manage symptoms effectively and prevent further complications.