Most people have steroid injections without any side effects. They can be a little uncomfortable at the time of injection, but many people feel that this is not as bad as they feared.
Occasionally people notice a flare-up in their joint pain within the first 24 hours after an injection. This usually settles by itself within a couple of days, but taking simple painkillers like paracetamol will help.
The risk of side effects is greatest with the stronger mixtures – methylprednisolone and triamcinolone.
Injections can occasionally cause some thinning or changes in the colour of the skin at the injection site, particularly with the stronger ones.
Very rarely you may get an infection in the joint at the time of an injection. If your joint becomes more painful and hot you should see your doctor immediately, especially if you feel unwell.
People are often concerned about the possibility of other steroid-related side effects such as weight gain. One of the advantages of steroid injections compared to tablets is that often the dose can be kept low. This means that these other side effects are very rare unless injections are given frequently, more than a few times per year.
Steroid injections can sometimes cause temporary changes to women’s periods. They can also cause changes in people’s mood – you may feel very high or very low. This may be more likely if you have a history of mood disturbance. If you’re worried please discuss this with your doctor.
Carrying a steroid card
If you've had a steroid injection into a joint or muscle, your healthcare professional may give you a steroid card for you to carry around. This will have details of the treatment you've had.
Steroid injections can stop the body producing natural hormones, which can be dangerous if you get ill, have an accident or need an operation. There is evidence that this can be a risk for up to one month after just one steroid injection. If you've had three steroid injections over the course of 12 months, this risk could last for a further 12 months.
Keeping the card with you will help any other doctor who treats you to manage your care correctly.
If you have any questions or concerns about this, talk to the healthcare professional who prescribed your steroids.
