Corticosteroid injections (CSI) are a common treatment used for pain relief in a variety of joint and tendon problems. If you’ve experienced conditions like osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, or carpal tunnel syndrome, you may have heard about these injections. But are they really the quick fix they seem to be? Let’s break it down.
What Conditions Are Corticosteroid Injections Used For?
Corticosteroid injections are typically recommended for short-term relief in conditions like:
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Shoulder disorders (like frozen shoulder)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger Finger
These injections help reduce pain and inflammation, which can be a big help if you’re struggling with daily activities. However, it’s important to know that they are usually only effective for a few weeks (between 2 and 10 weeks), so they’re not a long-term solution.
“speaking to a team of professionals, like ours at Motion Clinic, can help you get a better understanding of the options available.“
If you’re unsure whether an injection might be suitable for your condition, speaking to a team of professionals, like ours at Motion Clinic, can help you get a better understanding of the options available.
When Should You Consider a Corticosteroid Injection?
A CSI might be right for you if:
- You’ve already tried other treatments, like physiotherapy or medications, and they haven’t worked.
- Your pain is so intense that it’s stopping you from staying active or doing rehabilitation exercises.
- Surgery isn’t an option for you due to health reasons, such as a weakened immune system.
However, CSI may not be suitable if you’re immunocompromised, as these injections can sometimes increase the risk of infection.
The Benefits vs. Risks
Like all medical treatments, there are pros and cons to corticosteroid injections.
The benefits:
Support for rehab: Sometimes, pain can prevent people from sticking with physiotherapy. A CSI can help you manage that pain so you can get back to exercising.
Quick pain relief: Great for short-term improvement, especially when pain is limiting your daily activities or rehab progress.
The risks:
- Joint and tendon damage: Repeated injections can weaken tendons and cause damage to cartilage, which might worsen your condition over time.
- Side effects: Some people experience skin thinning, bruising, or even flare-ups in pain right after the injection. In rare cases, there’s a risk of infection.
- Long-term risks: Over time, studies have shown that repeated injections may speed up joint deterioration, especially in the knees and hips.
“If you want to get stronger, perform strength exercises.”
If you’re still unsure about the best approach, it’s a good idea to consult with a specialist. At Motion, we’re always here to provide more tailored advice based on your individual circumstances.
Common Conditions CSI is Used For
- Knee Osteoarthritis:
- While injections can offer relief, they may also cause faster wear and tear in the knee joint if used repeatedly. So, if your goal is long-term pain management, physiotherapy might be a better option.
- Shoulder Issues (Like Frozen Shoulder):
- Injections can help with the pain, but they work best when given early. If you have diabetes, injections may not work as well for you, especially beyond the first 6 weeks.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- If wrist splints or other treatments haven’t worked, a CSI may be an option. However, the relief is often temporary, and some patients need surgery later on.
- Trigger Finger: Injections can help, but there’s a chance the symptoms will return within 6 months. Sometimes, a second injection or other treatments may be needed.
Questions You Might Be Asking
If I feel better after an injection, can I go straight back to my regular activities? It’s great if the pain subsides, but it’s important to ease back into activities, especially anything that involves heavy lifting or strenuous movements. Your joints and tendons might be a bit weaker after the injection, so focus on gradual rehabilitation.
Can injections help me start exercising if my knee pain is stopping me from moving? Injections can definitely give you a short-term boost, but it’s crucial to stick with your rehab plan. In some cases, when the pain goes away, people lose motivation to continue their exercises – but keeping active is key for long-term relief!
“Corticosteroid injections can be a useful tool for managing pain, but they’re not a permanent fix.“
Conclusion: Is CSI the Right Choice for You?
If you’re considering surgery, it’s important to know that having a CSI too close to the procedure (within 3 months) could increase your risk of complications. So, if surgery is on the horizon, it’s best to avoid injections for at least 6 months beforehand.
Corticosteroid injections can be a useful tool for managing pain, but they’re not a permanent fix. The best way to decide whether an injection is right for you is to weigh the short-term relief against the potential long-term risks. They work well when paired with other treatments, like physiotherapy, but shouldn’t be relied on alone.
If you’re considering a CSI and want more information, our team at Motion is happy to help you explore your options. Staying informed and understanding your choices can make all the difference in managing your condition effectively.
September 27th, 2024. Andrew Horide, Osteopath