Why are local steroid injections prescribed?
A local steroid injection is given to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain within a joint. In rheumatoid arthritis and related diseases there is often considerable inflammation in the joints, and so steroid injections are frequently recommended. Although osteoarthritis is mainly a ‘wear and tear’ condition, there may also be some inflammation present and so steroid injections may also be recommended for osteoarthritis. A peri-articular or soft tissue injection is given to reduce pain and inflammation at that site. For instance, if you have tennis elbow your doctor may inject the tender area.