If you’re living with joint pain, you may wonder whether a steroid or non-steroid injection is the best option. Both types of injections can provide relief, but each has pros and cons.
Read on to learn more about steroid and non-steroid injections for joint pain, so you can decide which treatment is proper for you.
What Are Steroid Injections?
Steroid injections are a type of anti-inflammatory medication. They work by reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. Steroid injections are generally considered safe, but they can have some side effects, such as temporary pain at the injection site, lightheadedness, and increased blood sugar levels.
Applications of Steroid Injections
There are several different applications of steroid injections, as explained below.
Treating Joint Pain
Steroid injections are a standard treatment for joint pain. They can relieve inflammation and pain and may allow you to resume your normal activities sooner. They do this by reducing the inflammation in your joints.
Treating Arthritis
Steroid injections can also be used to treat arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. These injections can help to reduce the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Treating Muscle Pain
Steroid injections can also be used to treat muscle pain. Muscle pain is a common problem that can cause discomfort and interfere with your daily activities. Steroid injections can help to reduce muscle pain by decreasing the inflammation and swelling in the muscles.
Advantages
Steroid injections are advantageous in several ways. Below are some of these ways.
Decrease Pain and Inflammation
One of the main advantages of steroid injections is that they can help to decrease pain and inflammation. This is because they work by reducing the amount of inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. As a result, they can provide relief from inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
Reduce Swelling
Steroid injections can also help to reduce swelling in the affected joint. This is because they work by decreasing the amount of swelling-causing chemicals in the body. As a result, they can help reduce the swollen joint’s size.
Allows You to Resume Normal Activities Sooner
Steroid injections can also help you to resume your normal activities sooner. They work by reducing the inflammation and pain in the joint. As a result, you may be able to return to your normal activities sooner than if you did not receive the injection.
Disadvantages
As is with everything else, steroid injections also have a few disadvantages. Below are some of these disadvantages.
Can Have Side Effects
Steroid injections can have side effects, such as temporary pain at the injection site, lightheadedness, and increased blood sugar levels. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. However, if you experience any severe side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
May Not Be Effective for All People
Steroid injections may not be effective for all people. They work by decreasing the amount of inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. As a result, they may not be able to reduce the inflammation and pain in all people.
Can Only Be Used for a Short period
Steroid injections can only be used for a short period. This is because they can have side effects if used for an extended period. This is why they are usually only used for a short period, such as when you are trying to reduce pain and inflammation in the joint.
What Are Non-Steroid Injections?
Non-steroid injections are a type of injection that does not contain steroids. Instead, they contain various other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid or platelet-rich plasma. These injections treat multiple conditions, such as arthritis, muscle pain, and tendonitis.
Applications of Non-Steroid Injections
Non-steroid injections are used to treat various conditions, such as arthritis, muscle pain, and tendonitis. Some of the most common applications of these injections are described below.
Treating Arthritis
Non-steroid injections can be used to treat arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. It can also cause inflammation in the tissues around the joints. Non-steroid injections can help to reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis by decreasing the inflammation in the joints.
Treating Muscle Pain
Non-steroid injections can also be used to treat muscle pain. Muscle pain is a common condition caused by various factors, such as overuse, injury, or tension. These injections can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with muscle pain.
Treating Tendonitis
Non-steroid injections can also be used to treat tendonitis. Tendonitis is a condition that causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the tendons. These injections can help to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with tendonitis.
Advantages
There are several advantages to using non-steroid injections. Some of these advantages are described below.
Are Safe
Non-steroid injections are generally considered safe. This is because they do not contain steroids, which can have side effects. As a result, they are less likely to cause side effects than some other types of injections.
Can Be Used for a Long period
Non-steroid injections can be used for an extended period. They do not contain steroids, which can have side effects if used for an extended period. As a result, they can be used for an extended period.
Are Effective for All People
Non-steroid injections are effective for all people. This is because they work by decreasing the amount of inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. This means they can reduce inflammation and pain in all people.
Disadvantages
There are a few disadvantages to using non-steroid injections. Some of these disadvantages are described below.
Can Have Side Effects
Non-steroid injections can have side effects, such as pain at the injection site or swelling. These side effects may not be severe, but they can be bothersome.
May Not Be as Effective as Steroid Injections
Non-steroid injections may not be as effective as steroid injections. This is because they work by decreasing the amount of inflammation-causing chemicals in the body. As a result, they may not be able to reduce the inflammation and pain in all people.
Which Is Better for Joint Pain?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Some people may find that non-steroid injections are better for joint pain, while others may find that steroid injections are better. Your best bet is to talk to a qualified physician like Integrated Orthopedics to see which type of injection is right for you.
