A steroid joint injection is a minimally invasive procedure that can temporarily relieve pain caused by an inflamed joint due to an injury such as one that is sustained in an auto accident. The technique is related to but fundamentally different from trigger point injections, which are used to relieve muscle tension and related pain.

The procedure has two purposes. First, it can be used as a diagnostic test to see if the pain is actually coming from the joint. Second, it can be used as a treatment to relieve inflammation and pain caused by the injury.

What Kind of Medications Are in Steroid Joint Injections?

A steroid joint injection includes two elements. The first is a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, methylprednisolone, or dexamethasone. The second is an anesthetic numbing agent, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine. This combination allows corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation — the cause of many joint pain symptoms — and reduce pain directly via the anesthetic effect. The pain relief can last from days to years, allowing your condition to improve with physical therapy and an exercise program.

How Do Steroid Injections Work?

The treatment works by delivering medicine directly to the painful joint, inside the joint capsule. Injections can be made in the following areas:

• Facet joints of the spine
• Sacroiliac joint and coccyx
• Hip joint
• Shoulder, elbow, and hand
• Knee, ankle, and foot

Overall, the procedure is quick and straightforward. The large majority of adults only require topical anesthetic at the injection site.

Are There Risks with Steroid Joint Injections?

There are very few likely side effects from this treatment. However, some people may become sore for a day or so afterward. Your doctor might recommend that you refrain from putting any strain on the joint immediately following the therapy. This could mean no driving, strenuous activity, or physical labor for a short period.

Do Steroid Injections Cause Weight Gain?

It is a common misconception that steroid joint injections cause weight gain. This could be due to the fact that abusing high-dose injections, or regular, large doses of oral steroids, could cause you to gain weight. The small dose and highly targeted procedure make weight gain a highly unlikely side effect of this joint-pain treatment. However, this is an important concern. Maintaining one’s physique is a crucial element of health in many cases. At PhysMed, we work with our patients to make sure they are able to manage weight throughout their healing process.

How Long Does a Joint Injection Take to Work?

Injections work differently based on your condition, the medications used, and the site of your injury. For some, relief is immediate, others require more time. Also, as mentioned above, this procedure might be used to reveal information about the injury rather than to provide pain relief.

These injections could provide welcome relief for a variety of conditions. To understand how they might fit into your own treatment regimen, please call us today at (941) 921-4884 for a consultation.