Inflammatory conditions and diseases are most commonly treated with steroid injections. Doctors inject the steroid, usually cortisone or kenalog, into one or two locations of the inflamed area so the medication goes straight to the problem.
Like any other kind of medication, injections with steroids can have possible side effects.
繚 Pain
繚 Infection
繚 Bruising/bleeding
繚 Flushing in the face
繚 Allergic reactions
繚 Depigmentation of the skin
Some people will find that the actual injection itself is a little painful. If there is any post injection pain it will usually last up to 48 hours. An occurrence of infection after a steroid injection is quite rare, but experienced and qualified doctors will do everything they can to reduce the risk of infection. Facial flushing only occurs in about 5% of patients that undergo injections with steroids.
An allergic reaction to a steroid injection is very serious and can sometimes be life threatening. Skin depigmentation normally occurs if the steroid is injected into soft tissue rather than the joint, however, if the joint is closer to the surface then there is a possibility of depigmentation of the skin.
When inflammation is the primary cause of pain, steroid injections may abolish the problem to its entirety. In such conditions like arthritis, the injection doesn't usually provide a cure. The majority of injections with steroid are used to relieve pain temporarily, not permanently. Kenalog injections are often used to diminish allergies such as hay fever, as well as inflamed areas.
As with any other treatment, it is important to let the doctor know if the pain increases after the injection. Never overuse the steroid injected joint once it feels better because the inflammatory process may remain active. Side effects will vary among each individual. The more common side effects of these injections are:
繚 An increase in appetite and weight
繚 Higher blood sugar level
繚 Nausea
繚 Weakness in the muscles
繚 Thinning of the bones, better known as Osteoporosis
繚 Mood changes, anxiety, memory loss, and other psychiatric reactions
繚 Water retention
繚 Menstrual disturbances
Most of the side effects are rare when the steroid is injected around the joint. The primary side effects after this type of procedure are the basic increase of pain and swelling along with dizziness. Knee osteoarthritis and tennis elbow are very common conditions that involve steroid injections. Because inflammation is one of the first reactions to a bodily injury, injections with steroid have become more popular than before. It is a quick and easy temporary relief from the pain that hinders daily activities among many people.
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