Glucocorticoid (Steroid) Injections Print Page

What are glucocorticoids?

Glucocorticoids are also known as corticosteroids, or just steroids.
They are synthetic products which mimic cortisol, the body’s naturally occurring glucocorticoid made in the adrenal cortex.
Glucocorticoids should not be confused with the type of performance enhancing steroids some athletes have used.

What are different types of glucocorticoid injections?

How do glucocorticoids work?

Glucocorticoids can suppress and modulate the body’s immune system. In the right situation, this makes them a powerful option as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent.

What are some conditions that are treated with glucocorticoids?

Joint injections with glucocorticoids can be provided for most types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. They may also be appropriate for some patients with other inflamed tissues, such as a bursitis.

How soon will I feel the effects of the injection?

Joint injections with glucocorticoids take from 1 day to a few weeks to take effect, depending on the underlying reason for the injection.

What are the possible side effects of having a joint injected with a glucocorticoid?

Steroid injections are generally considered safe. However, the following complications are possible:
There is a small risk of bleeding anytime the skin is pierced with a needle.
There is a small risk (1/10,000) of introducing an infection into the joint. If this happens, the joint will become more painful, red, hot and swollen usually 2-4 days after the injection occurred.
There is a 1% chance of a post-injection flare, which can look like an infection, but occurs in the first 24 hours after the injection.
There is a risk of causing some soft tissue shrinking or discoloration of the skin surface if the steroid is not injected directly into the joint. The body usually repairs this over time.
Some steroid will leave the joint and affect the entire body. Most people do not feel this effect and it is short lived.
For injections near tendons, there is a small risk of causing a tendon rupture if the steroid is mistakenly injected into the tendon itself. Fortunately, your physician can usually tell if this is the case prior to providing the injection.

Is there anything I can do to reduce these side effects?

Make sure both you and your physician are comfortable with steroid injections.
After receiving the injection, ice the area for 10-15 minutes a few times the day of and day after the injection.
Notify your physician immediately or go to the nearest emergency department if there are any signs of an infection.

For more information about glucocorticoid injections, visit AlbertaRheumatology.com and consult your physician.