Corticosteroid Injection

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 tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It also may be used to treat allergies or asthma.

The procedure is done by injecting corticosteroid 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.

Credits

By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: January 10, 2013
Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

© 1995-, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.