Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are anti-inflammatory medicines used to treat a range of conditions. They can be used to treat problems such as joint pain, arthritis, sciatica and
inflammatory bowel disease. Steroid injections are only given by healthcare professionals. Common examples include hydrocortisone, triamcinolone and methylprednisolone. Steroid injections are usually given by a specialist doctor in hospital.
They can be given in several different ways, including: The injections normally take a few days to start working, although some work in a few hours. The effect
usually wears off after a few months. If you're having an injection to relieve pain, it may also contain local anaesthetic. This provides immediate pain relief that lasts a few hours. You should be able to go home soon after the injection. You may need to rest the treated body part for a few days. Possible side
effects of steroid injections depend on where the injection is given. Side effects of injections into the joints, muscles or spine can include:
Epidural injections can also occasionally give you a very painful headache that's only relieved by lying down. This should get better on its own, but tell your specialist if you get it. Side effects of injections given into the blood tend to be similar to side effects of steroid tablets, such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping. You can report any suspected side effect to a UK safety scheme. Who can have steroid injectionsMost people can have steroid injections. Tell the doctor before having treatment if you:
Steroid injections may not always be suitable in these cases, although the doctor may recommend them if they think the benefits outweigh any risks. How steroid injections workSteroids are a manmade version of hormones normally produced by the adrenal glands, 2 small glands found above the kidneys. When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area. This can help relieve pain and stiffness. When injected into the blood, they can reduce inflammation throughout the body, as well as reduce the activity of the immune system, the body's natural defence against illness and infection. This can help treat autoimmune conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which are caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the body. Steroid injections are different from the anabolic steroids used illegally by some people to increase their muscle mass. Page last reviewed: 26 February 2020 Cortisone is medicine sometimes injected into the body to help ease pain and swelling from arthritis, injury or illness. Cortisone shots are sometimes called corticosteroid shots.
OverviewWhat are cortisone shots?Cortisone shots are injections of medicine that ease pain and swelling in different parts of the body. Doctors use these shots to treat injuries and conditions such as arthritis or autoimmune disorders (when the body’s immune system harms its own cells). Cortisone is a type of medication called a corticosteroid. Doctors use these drugs to treat inflammation (swelling) caused by injury and illness. Sometimes cortisone shots are called corticosteroid shots. Commonly used cortisone variants include Kenalog® (tramcinolone) Depo-Medrol® (methylprednisolone), and Celestone® (Betamethasone). People most commonly receive cortisone shots in joints including the hip, knee, shoulder, spine, hands and feet. The cortisone reduces inflammation (swelling) in and around the joint. Procedure DetailsHow do cortisone shots work?Doctors give cortisone shots during an office visit directly into the area or joint involved, or sometimes just into a large muscle to get it into the bloodstream. In other parts of the body, the injection often includes a local anesthetic (pain reliever) to start easing pain immediately. In these cases, cortisone is typically injected into three areas:
Risks / BenefitsWhat are complications or side effects of cortisone shots?Cortisone can weaken the immune system. For this reason, many doctors limit injections to once every 3 months for a specific joint, and 6 times a year for the entire body. Cortisone can also raise blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Doctors monitor blood sugar levels to make sure they are stable before delivering a cortisone injection. Cortisone may also (more rarely) cause osteoporosis (low bone density), fluid retention (swelling of the limbs and congestion in the lungs), high blood pressure, and alterations in mood. Patients who take other corticosteroid medication such as prednisone pills or inhaled steroids should get fewer injections or lower doses if possible to minimize the above risks. All injections have a risk of infection. For this reason, it is important to keep the injection site clean. Recovery and OutlookWhat is the outlook for people after cortisone shots?It can take up to 7 days for a cortisone injection to begin working in the body. The effects of the injection usually last up to 2 months, but sometimes longer. Cortisone can reduce inflammation that damages joints. Your doctor also may recommend other treatments to address joint pain resulting from another condition such as obesity, tendon or ligament damage, or an autoimmune disorder. When to Call the DoctorWhen should I call the doctor after a cortisone shot?Call your doctor if you experience a fever or severe pain, swelling or redness after a cortisone injection. These may be signs of an infection that your doctor can treat with medication. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
 enews More health news + infoCan cortisone shots cause longThere's concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage the cartilage within a joint. So doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots into a joint. In general, you shouldn't get cortisone injections more often than every six weeks and usually not more than three or four times a year.
What is the downside to a cortisone shot?The Downsides
According to the National Institutes of Health, the side effects from cortisone shots include: Dizziness or headaches. Skin issues, including dryness, thinness, acne, dry skin, and red or purple blotches. Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
What are the longThinning bones (osteoporosis) and fractures. Suppressed adrenal gland hormone production that may result in a variety of signs and symptoms, including severe fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and muscle weakness. Thin skin, bruising and slower wound healing.
Does a cortisone shot affect the whole body?Cortisone can travel into your bloodstream and cause full-body side effects. According to a 2019 review of studies , the amount of cortisone that gets absorbed into your blood seems to vary significantly between people. But both joint and epidural injections can have effects that last for weeks.
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Long term side effects of cortisone injections
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