Steroid Injections

About Steroid Injections

Steroid injections, also known as cortisone shots, are a highly effective treatment for reducing inflammation and alleviating pain in targeted areas of the body. These injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory medication — a corticosteroid — directly to the source of pain, whether it is a joint, tendon, or bursa (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion and protect the joints and surrounding tissues). By targeting the precise location of inflammation, steroid injections can provide significant relief from pain and discomfort caused by a wide range of conditions, including arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and other inflammatory disorders.

The procedure is performed by a specialized healthcare provider, often an interventional radiologist, who uses advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy to guide the needle to the exact location requiring treatment. This ensures that the medication is delivered accurately, maximizing the effectiveness of the treatment while minimizing any potential side effects. The injection typically contains a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation and an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.

Steroid injections are typically performed in an outpatient setting and take only a few minutes to complete. Patients may experience a brief period of discomfort during the injection, but most find the procedure to be well-tolerated. Relief from pain often begins within a few days and can last from several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to the medication.

These injections can also serve a diagnostic purpose. A patient’s response to a steroid injection can help healthcare providers better understand the source of pain, enabling them to make more informed decisions about additional treatments or interventions. For many, steroid injections offer a non-surgical alternative that can provide substantial relief, helping to improve mobility and quality of life.