Corticosteroid Injections: What You Need to Know

Author- Dr Chris Marshall 19/2/25

Corticosteroid injections, often referred to as steroid injections, are a common treatment offered at Pembrokeshire Medical for a variety of conditions causing pain and inflammation. This blog post aims to provide you with a clear understanding of what they are, how they work, and what you can expect.

What are Corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications, similar to cortisol, a hormone your body naturally produces. They are different from anabolic steroids, which are sometimes misused by athletes. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation in the affected area, which in turn alleviates pain and other symptoms.

What Conditions Can Corticosteroid Injections Treat?

At Pembrokeshire Medical, we may recommend corticosteroid injections for a range of conditions, including:

• Joint pain:  Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), bursitis, tendonitis, and other conditions affecting joints.

• Soft tissue injuries:  Sprains, strains, and other injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

• Back pain:  Inflammation around the spine can sometimes be treated with injections.

• Other inflammatory conditions:  In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to treat other conditions involving inflammation, such as certain skin conditions.

• Common conditions treated with injections in our clinic include knee osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, golfer's/tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

  
  
  
  

How Do Corticosteroid Injections Work?

The injection delivers the corticosteroid medication directly to the affected area. This concentrated dose helps to reduce inflammation more effectively than oral medication, which travels throughout the entire body. The effects of the injection can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated, but many patients experience significant pain relief.

What to Expect During the Procedure:

At Pembrokeshire Medical, we strive to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Typically, the process involves:

1. Consultation: We will discuss your medical history and the specific condition to determine if a corticosteroid injection is appropriate.

2. Preparation: The injection site will be cleaned and we will mark the site off injection.

3. Injection: The corticosteroid medication will be injected into the targeted area. You may feel some pressure or mild discomfort.

4. Aftercare:  We will provide you with specific instructions for aftercare, which may include resting the area and applying ice.

Benefits and Risks:

Corticosteroid injections can provide significant pain relief and improve function for many patients. However, like any medical procedure, there are rare potential risks and side effects. These can include:

• Pain at the injection site: This is usually mild and temporary.

• Infection:  Although rare, there is a small risk of infection. We perform this procedure aseptically.

• Skin changes:  Very rarely patients may experience temporary skin discolouration or thinning at the injection site.

• Flare-up of symptoms:  Occasionally, there may be a temporary increase in pain before the medication starts to work.

• Systemic effects: While less common with injections than oral steroids, there is a small risk of systemic side effects, such as changes in blood sugar levels or mood.

  
  

Important Considerations:

• Corticosteroid injections can be of great benefit for a number of conditions. They are often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other therapies.

• The frequency of injections is usually limited to a maximum of three in 12 months.

• Book with us today at Pembrokeshire Medical to determine if they are right for you.

  
  

Contact Us:

If you are experiencing pain or inflammation and would like to learn more about corticosteroid injections, please contact Pembrokeshire Medical to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care.

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