Steroid Injections for Joint Pain: Pros, Risks & When They’re Used

Steroid injections deliver a corticosteroid medication directly into a joint or surrounding tissue to reduce inflammation and swelling. These injections work by limiting inflammatory chemicals in the joint lining (synovium), providing quick pain relief and improved mobility.

Because the medication is injected locally, the systemic exposure is low, meaning patients benefit from targeted anti-inflammatory effects with fewer whole-body side effects compared to oral steroids.

They are commonly used in the knee, hip, shoulder, and ankle, and can provide relief for several weeks or even months.

Steroid injections are most often recommended for:

• Osteoarthritis (especially of the hip, knee, and shoulder)
• Bursitis and tendon inflammation
• Synovitis (inflammation of the joint lining)
• Chronic pain flares related to arthritis or overuse
• Soft tissue injuries involving tendons or ligaments

As noted by the Cleveland Clinic¹, steroid injections are often part of a broader pain management plan — used to calm inflammation so that physiotherapy and rehabilitation can be more effective.

Steroid injections at Orthopaedic Innovation are performed as day-case procedures, often under ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance for maximum precision; particularly for deep joints such as the hip.

The Procedure

1. Preparation and Local Anaesthetic – The area is cleaned, and a small amount of local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort.
2. Targeted Injection – A combination of corticosteroid and anaesthetic is injected directly into the joint or tendon sheath.
3. Immediate Relief – The anaesthetic provides short-term pain reduction; the steroid begins to take effect within several days.

Most patients notice improvement within a week, and the benefits can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition and response.

Benefits

• Fast pain relief from inflammation-related discomfort
• Improved joint movement and ability to exercise
• Diagnostic value — if pain subsides, the joint is confirmed as the pain source
• Low systemic risk — minimal whole-body side effects

Limitations and Risks

While steroid injections can provide quick and meaningful relief, they are not a cure for arthritis or tendon damage. As highlighted by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA)², repeated steroid injections may accelerate joint cartilage loss or weaken tendons if overused.

Possible side effects include:

• Steroid flare (temporary increase in pain for 1–2 days)
• Skin thinning or pigment change at the injection site
• Increased blood sugar in diabetic patients
• Joint infection (rare)

For this reason, injections are typically limited to no more than three per joint per year, spaced at least 12 weeks apart.

Steroid injections target inflammation — they reduce symptoms, but don’t repair tissue damage.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, we often use them as part of a stepped-care approach alongside regenerative and surgical options such as:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections – promote healing using concentrated growth factors from your own blood.
• Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) – uses stem cells to regenerate cartilage and bone tissue.
• Arthrosamid® Injections – provide long-lasting cushioning for knee osteoarthritis.
• Hip and Knee Replacement Surgery – for advanced joint degeneration where regenerative or injection therapies are no longer sufficient.

Read about our non-surgical options in detail

Understanding when to move from non-surgical to surgical treatment is important — patients often ask “which method of hip replacement is the best?” or “how long does hip surgery take?”. Our consultants discuss every option in detail, ensuring patients receive transparent advice tailored to their goals and lifestyle.

1. Do steroid injections hurt?
   Mild discomfort is possible, but local anaesthetic helps reduce pain during the injection.
2. How quickly will I feel better?
   Relief usually begins within a few days, with full benefits in 1–2 weeks.
3. How long does the effect last?
   Relief typically lasts several weeks to months, depending on the condition and severity of inflammation.
4. Can steroid injections delay surgery?
   Yes. They can help postpone joint replacement by reducing pain enough to allow for physiotherapy and activity — often an important bridge to more definitive care.
5. 5. Are they safe for everyone?
   Most people tolerate them well, but those with diabetes, immune conditions, or infections may require special consideration.