Return to IndexStep 1: What is Osteoarthritis?Step 2: SymptomsStep 3: CausesStep 4: How Osteoarthritis is DiagnosedStep 5: Overview of Arthritis TreatmentStep 6: Heat and Cold TherapyStep 7: Pain MedicationStep 8: Other OptionsStep 9: Unproven RemediesStep 10: Weight Control and ExerciseStep 11: Living With OsteoarthritisKey PointsMedTestGlossary
*Close Menu*
Return to IndexStep 1: What is Osteoarthritis?Step 2: SymptomsStep 3: CausesStep 4: How Osteoarthritis is DiagnosedStep 5: Overview of Arthritis TreatmentStep 6: Heat and Cold TherapyStep 7: Pain MedicationStep 8: Other OptionsStep 9: Unproven RemediesStep 10: Weight Control and ExerciseStep 11: Living With OsteoarthritisKey PointsMedTestGlossary
*Close Menu*
| Drug treatment - injectable corticosteroids |
|
Corticosteroids generally are not used for osteoarthritis. However, the direct injection of corticosteroids into an inflamed joint can markedly reduce the swelling of soft tissues and relieve pain.
- Unfortunately, corticosteroids can cause adverse side effects (such as joint degradation) when injected indiscriminately over long periods of time directly into a joint. Therefore, they should be used only to treat occasional bouts of joint pain and swelling in osteoarthritis, particularly in younger people.
- A single injection may be sufficient to relieve osteoarthritis for several months. The effect lasts for different amounts of time in different people.
- They don't work for everyone.
 |
Review Date:
10/6/2008
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Stanford University School of Medicine, Chief of Future Health, A.D.A.M., Inc. (11/22/2006)
Reviewed By: Thomas N. Joseph, MD, Private Practice specializing in Orthopaedics, subspecialty Foot and Ankle, Camden Bone & Joint, Camden, SC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Previously reviewed by Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Stanford University School of Medicine, Chief of Future Health, A.D.A.M., Inc. (11/22/2006)
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-
A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
