Steroid Injections For Medical Use: What You Need To Know

Steroid injections are the process of placing corticosteroids into your body. They are often referred to as cortisone injections. The goal of steroid injections is to help decrease the inflammation in your body and slow down your immune system. They are used to treat a variety of conditions. Here are some things you may need to know about using steroid injections:

How Are Steroids Administered?

Steroids are typically administered via injection, but there are other methods used also. First, your doctor will determine which way is best to treat your condition. Some conditions require systemic steroids in which the medication goes through your body. Other conditions can be treated locally, or in one area of the body.

Steroids can be injected into a vein or into a muscle. They can also be given orally, through the skin in the form of a cream, or through the use of ear or eye drops.

What Medical Problems Are Steroids Used to Treat?

There are many medical problems that can be treated with steroids. Some examples include inflamed tendons, gout, Rheumatoid arthritis, and back pain.

Are Steroid Injections More Effective?

Although any steroid use is a good way to treat many ailments, injections are often more effective. Injections of steroids can deliver a high dose of the medication quickly and directly to the problem areas. Oral steroids or creams can take longer to take effect. It is also not guaranteed that they will reach the area directly.

Are There Side Effects to Using Steroids?

There are some potential side effects of using steroids. This can include changes in mood, fatigue, allergic reactions, and bleeding. If you have too many steroids injected into an area, your bones can become weak. Side effects do not affect everyone, and you are less likely to experience side effects if you wait a period of time in between your injections.

If there is an infection in the affected area or you are experiencing any inflammation, your doctor will not inject steroids into your body. Those who have an issue with excess bleeding may also not benefit from steroids because the injection can cause more bleeding.

Steroid injections can provide relief for a lot of problems, but it is important not to overuse them. Over time, you can experience major bone breakdown, including your teeth. However, they can be so beneficial when used properly. If you think steroids can help treat your medical condition, work closely with your doctor to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Ask your doctor if you have questions about steroid supplement injections.