Rheumatoid arthritis: How helpful are low-dose corticosteroids against flares?
Corticosteroid medications have a bad reputation for adverse effects. But when taken in low doses for a short time they have fewer side effects and they can help reduce painful arthritis flares. Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints, such as those in the fingers, knees and elbows. The causes of arthritis are not completely understood. But when a joint is affected by arthritis, parts of the joint become inflamed (red, hot and swollen) as a result of a reaction in the immune system. People with arthritis have phases where there is less joint pain, alternating with very severe episodes of pain caused by this inflammation. These episodes are called flares or exacerbations. Eventually, arthritis also causes parts of the joints to become damaged and wear thin. Corticosteroids are also called glucocorticoids or steroids. They are strong drugs such as prednisolone that can reduce inflammation. However, when they are used in high doses and for long periods of time, they can cause side
