Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid (aka cortisone/steroid injections) is a therapeutic anti-inflammatory medication administered by injection which is used to treat a range of conditions including joint pain, tendon pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel and trigger finger.

They work by reducing the inflammation in the joint or muscle, and do this by sending messages to the cell’s nucleus to stop inflammation at the source, often making them more effective than anti-inflammatory medication.

Injections can take a few days or week to start working, though some people find relief a lot sooner. They can last up to 6 months in certain cases. They can work well at reducing pain, to allow the implementation of a home exercise programme.

Side effects of steroid injections can include:

• Pain and discomfort for a few days
• Temporary bruising
• Flushing of the face for a few hours
• Infection causing redness, swelling or pain in very rare cases
• A loss of fat where the injection was given
• Increased blood pressure for up to one week.

Corticosteroid injections are different from the anabolic steroids used illegally by some people to increase their muscle mass.

At Cockermouth Rehab Studio, steroid injections are administered by Stu following a clinical assessment for suitable conditions. Stu trained in injection therapy at the University of the West of England.