STEROID INJECTIONS
Steroid injection is one of the most preferred non-surgical treatment methods in daily orthopedic practice. Steroid injection treatments are frequently used in the treatment of muscle, tendon, ligament and capsule pathologies that occur in sports injuries, various strains or chronic inflammatory processes. The purposes of these injection applications are to relieve pain, accelerate return to the field and are diagnostic. It is very important that physicians who will perform injections are competent in anatomy. During the application, patient safety and compliance with antisepsis rules come to the fore.
In Which Diseases Is Steroid Injection Applied?
Steroid injection is used in most orthopedic pathologies formed by inflammatory processes. Among these, the most common ones are biceps tendinitis, acromioclavicular joint pathologies, injuries to the shoulder cuff muscles, frozen shoulder, elbow tendonitis (lateral + medial epicondylitis), trigger finger, joints with arthrosis, greater trochanter. bursitis, Achilles tendon problems, plantar fasciitis and heel spurs.
To whom should it not be applied?
Contraindications for injection applications
Absolute contraindications are allergy to the drug to be used, joint infection, local cellulitis, fracture and bacteremia. Relative contraindications are patients with bleeding disorders, inadequate response to previous injections, and uncontrolled diabetes.
What are the Benefits of Steroid Injection?
controlling pain
reduce inflammation
Increasing mobility
How is Steroid Injection Done?
Steroid injection must be done by a doctor. After the area where the application will be made (joint tendon, etc.) is cleaned under sterile conditions with the help of batikon, steroid is injected into the desired area with the help of a needle tip by trying to feel the skin, joint space, etc. where the application will be made. There is no harm in patients being mobilized after the procedure. After injection, cold application to the injection site is recommended for the first 6 hours.
How Long Is Steroid Injection Effective?
The duration of effect varies depending on the patient’s diagnosis and the patient’s compliance with other treatment methods (weight loss, exercise, lifestyle change, physical therapy and rehabilitation, etc.). Its effect starts within the first week on average and lasts for up to 6 months.
What are the Side Effects?
Steroid injection is generally a safe practice and side effects are quite rare. However, some patients may experience side effects such as swelling in the joint, increased temperature, redness, decreased joint range of motion, and pain. Repeated applications may cause skin rashes, local atrophy, tendon ruptures, and lipolysis.