A corticosteroid or steroid injection is used to reduce
inflammation in muscles and joints. It is often used to treat conditions such
as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and more specific conditions such as de
Quervain's disease and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also may be used to treat
allergies or asthma.
The procedure is done by injecting steroid directly into the
affected area. The area might be painful for up to 2 days after the injection,
but most people have improvement after 2 days.
Last Updated:
January 28, 2009
Author:
Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine & Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics & Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma