18/09/2024
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Should I get Corticosteroid Injections for my pain?🧐
1️⃣Role of Corticosteroid Injections in MSK Practice🧑🏻⚕️
💉Primarily used as anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids can benefit non-inflammatory MSK conditions as well. However, they are short-lived and must be used with caution, especially in immunocompromised patients.
💉Common conditions treated include osteoarthritis, shoulder disorders, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
2️⃣Risks and Benefits⭕️❌
💉Corticosteroid injections provide short-term relief (2−10 weeks) but carry potential risks like cartilage damage with repeated use, especially for knee osteoarthritis. They can help initiate exercise by reducing pain but should not be overused.
3️⃣Clinical Guidelines📖
💉Guidelines suggest using corticosteroids as adjuncts, not standalone treatments.
Repeated injections, particularly for tendinopathies, are discouraged due to adverse effects.
💉International guidelines (e.g., NICE, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) highlight their role but stress the limited long-term benefits
Resources: Physio Network
