How corticosteroid injections relieve pain

In a few of our recent blog posts, we've mentioned corticosteroid injections as a common treatment for pain management. Known for their ability to reduce inflammation quickly, these injections are frequently recommended for various conditions causing pain. But how exactly do they work? Are they right for you? Let's explore in more depth how corticosteroid injections help manage pain, the conditions they treat, and what you can expect from the procedure.

First, what are corticosteroid injections?

Corticosteroid injections are a minimally invasive treatment designed to reduce inflammation and pain in targeted areas of the body. Unlike over-the-counter medications, corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that are administered directly into the source of pain to provide faster and more effective relief.

These injections shouldn’t be confused with anabolic steroids, which are associated with bodybuilding. Corticosteroids mimic the effects of hormones your body naturally produces in response to inflammation. This targeted approach makes them especially effective for conditions where inflammation is the root cause of discomfort.

How do corticosteroid injections work?

To understand how corticosteroids work, it’s essential to first understand inflammation. When your body is injured or fighting an illness, your immune system triggers an inflammatory response, which can lead to swelling, redness and pain. While inflammation is a natural process that aids healing, it can become a problem when it persists or occurs inappropriately, as in the case of chronic conditions.

Corticosteroids work by suppressing this overactive inflammatory response. By reducing inflammation in a specific area—such as your shoulder, knee, or spine—these injections can bring significant relief.

The medication in these injections is often a combination of a corticosteroid drug and a local anesthetic for immediate pain relief and long-term anti-inflammatory benefits.

What types of pain can corticosteroid injections treat?

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used as part of pain management treatment plans administered by Dr. Edrick Lopez here at DFW Interventional Pain Institute. They are effective for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:

1. Joint pain and arthritis

For patients with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation in the joints, providing relief from severe pain and stiffness.

2. Back and neck pain

Conditions like herniated discs, sciatica or spinal stenosis often involve inflammation around nerves. Corticosteroid injections can help reduce nerve pain in these cases.

3. Tendonitis

Inflammatory conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or Achilles tendonitis respond well to targeted corticosteroid treatment.

4. Bursitis

Inflamed bursae (the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints) can cause sharp, localized pain. Corticosteroid injections alleviate this pain quickly.

5. Plantar fasciitis

Chronic foot pain caused by an inflamed plantar fascia can be managed with corticosteroid injections.

If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies for this treatment, Dr. Lopez and our team can evaluate your symptoms and determine the best course of action.

Benefits and risks of corticosteroid injections

Corticosteroid injections can be life-changing for many patients, but it’s important to weigh the benefits and potential risks. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect.

Benefits

• Quick relief: Patients often experience a reduction in pain and inflammation within 24 to 48 hours.

• Targeted treatment: Unlike oral medications that affect your whole body, injections focus directly on the problem area.

• Minimally invasive: A simple outpatient procedure can provide long-term relief without requiring surgery.

• Improved mobility: With reduced pain, patients often regain range of motion and overall functionality.

Risks

• Temporary side effects: Some patients may experience mild side effects, such as soreness or bruising at the injection site.

• Repetitive use concerns: Frequent use of corticosteroid injections can weaken tendons or cartilage over time.

• Not a cure: While effective for symptom relief, corticosteroid injections don’t address the root cause of certain conditions.

Dr. Lopez ensures that each treatment plan is personalized, balancing these benefits and risks to align with your health needs and lifestyle.

What to expect from the procedure

At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during a corticosteroid injection procedure performed by Dr. Lopez.

Consultation and assessment

Before recommending an injection, Dr. Lopez will thoroughly assess your symptoms, review your medical history and perform any necessary imaging studies to identify the best treatment plan.

Preparation

On the day of the procedure, the injection site will be cleaned and sterilized, and a local anesthetic is often applied to ensure your comfort.

Precise injection

Using imaging guidance like ultrasound or fluoroscopy, Dr. Lopez ensures the medication is administered to the exact area causing pain.

Post-treatment care

You might feel some soreness at the injection site, but this typically subsides within a day or two. Most patients can resume normal activities almost immediately.

Frequently asked questions about corticosteroid injections

Q: How many injections will I need?

It depends on your specific condition and treatment goals. Some patients find relief after one injection, while others may require additional treatments spaced out over time.

Q: Are corticosteroid injections painful?

The procedure is generally well-tolerated, especially since a local anesthetic is used. You may feel slight pressure during the injection, but it’s brief.

Q: How long do the effects last?

Relief can vary depending on the individual and condition. Many patients experience relief for several weeks to months.

Q: Are there alternatives to corticosteroid injections?

Yes, at DFW Interventional Pain Institute, we offer a range of treatment options, including physical therapy, medication and minimally invasive procedures. Dr. Lopez will discuss the recommended options and will tailor your treatment plan to best suit your needs.

Take control of your pain today at DFW Interventional Pain Institute

Living with pain isn’t your only option. At DFW Interventional Pain Institute, Dr. Lopez offers compassionate care and cutting-edge treatments like corticosteroid injections to help you regain your quality of life.

If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, contact us at DFW Interventional Pain Institute today to schedule a consultation. Relief may be closer than you think.