Steroid Injections

Joint pain can alter the course of your day and prevent you from completing everyday routines. Relief is available through steroid injections, one of many services offered at Millcreek Rheumatology in Salt Lake City, Utah, under the leadership of David Shaskey, MD. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment, options include a quick phone call or a few moments online. 

What are steroid injections?

Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, are a method of delivering medication directly into a painful or damaged joint. Steroid injections are anti-inflammatory medicines that treat many problems, like sciatica and joint pain. This approach delivers prompt relief and doesn’t require surgical intervention, accompanying risks, or recovery time. 

This minimally invasive procedure is a popular treatment option if you’re dealing with moderate-to-severe joint pain. The injections consist of a corticosteroid medication, often mixed with a local anesthetic like lidocaine.  

Steroids are synthetic products made to function like the cortisol hormone your body produces naturally. This hormone reduces inflammation and temporarily lessens your natural immune activity. 

Some of the issues steroid injections treat include:

• Gout
• Tendinitis
• Bursitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Swollen, painful joints

These injections are safe and effective and a popular option if you aren’t ready for surgical intervention. 

What are some benefits of steroid injections?

Steroid injections provide almost immediate pain relief, but the results only last a few months. This gives you time to complete a physical therapy program or simply lessen your pain as your body works to heal the affected joint. 

If you’ve been taking oral steroids, local injections are usually better tolerated and create fewer side effects. In some cases, steroid injections provide interim pain relief while you wait for surgery.  

How are steroid injections performed?

If you and Dr. Shaskey decide to move forward with steroid injections, there’s no need for preparation. Once you rest comfortably on the treatment table or chair, Dr. Shaskey cleanses the skin in the injection area. 

Local anesthetic in the form of an injection or cream reduces sensation in the treatment area. Dr. Shaskey uses a needle to place the steroid medication directly within the targeted joint. Ultrasound technology sometimes guides the placement process, ensuring the placement of the medication. 

You might feel some brief discomfort during the injection procedure, but it will soon pass. Many people notice immediate relief. 

When you’re ready to learn more about this powerful joint pain treatment, book a visit at Millcreek Rheumatology online or by phone at your earliest convenience.