Steroid Injections overview

Reducing inflammation to support pain relief and movement

Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, can help reduce inflammation in the body and the pain associated with it. Reducing pain may also improve function and mobility, allowing other treatments such as physiotherapy to better support longer-term recovery.

Steroids are naturally produced in the adrenal glands. The corticosteroids used in these injections are synthetic versions of natural steroids and are different from anabolic steroids. Common corticosteroids include hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone and triamcinolone.

Different types of steroid injection include:

  • Epidural – Injected into the spinal column.
  • Intramuscular – Injected into muscle tissue.
  • Intra-articular – Injected into a joint.

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Steroid injection indications and preparation

When steroid injections may be recommended

Steroid injections may be recommended for:

  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Gout
  • Lumbar radicular pain
  • Bursitis
  • Tendinitis
  • Shoulder pain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Sacroiliac joint pain

Steroid injections are generally not recommended in some circumstances. Please let your doctor know if:

  • You have previously had an allergic reaction to steroids.
  • You currently have an infection, including a minor infection such as an eye infection.
  • You have recently been vaccinated or are planning to be vaccinated.
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
  • You have certain medical conditions, such as liver, heart or kidney problems, diabetes, epilepsy or hypertension.

There are also limits on how frequently steroid injections should be given. The current recommendation is no more than three steroid injections at the same injection site within one year, with at least 4-6 weeks between injections.

These are guidelines only. Your doctor will determine whether a steroid injection is appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances. You may also need to temporarily stop taking certain medications before your steroid injection. We will advise you before the procedure if this is necessary.

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Steroid injection procedure

What to expect during your steroid injection

Steroid injections are generally straightforward procedures and may be performed using ultrasound or X-ray guidance to help target the correct area.

Image-guided positioning

Ultrasound or X-ray guidance may be used to accurately identify the injection site.

Steroid and anaesthetic injection

Where the injection is being used for pain management, the steroid may be combined with a small amount of local anaesthetic.

Initial pain relief

The local anaesthetic can provide almost immediate pain relief, although this effect usually wears off relatively quickly.

Steroid effect

The corticosteroid generally takes a few days to begin working.

Ongoing pain relief

Once effective, pain relief may last around 6-8 weeks and sometimes longer, particularly when combined with treatments such as physical therapy.

Post-op relief

It is normal to have some pain at the injection site for 1-2 days. This can be relieved with a cold pack for 10 minutes at a time, or by taking over the counter pain medication.

Steroid injection risks

Possible side effects to be aware of

Possible side effects following epidural, intramuscular or intra-articular steroid injections may include:

Bruising at the injection site

Temporary bruising may occur after the injection.

Facial flushing

Flushing of the face may occur for several hours.

Skin or fat changes

Rarely, loss of body fat or paler skin may develop around the injection site and can sometimes be permanent.

Increased blood sugar

People with diabetes may experience temporarily elevated blood sugar levels for several days.

Increased blood pressure

People with hypertension may experience temporarily elevated blood pressure for several days.

Mood changes

Temporary changes in mood may occur following a steroid injection.

Steroid injection treatments

Options for different pain conditions

Speak to our doctors to learn more about the various Steroid Injection treatments offered by Melbourne Pain Group, including injections for:

  • Caudal epidural
  • Cervical epidural
  • Facet joint
  • Lumbar epidural
  • Sacro-iliac joint
  • Thoracic epidural
  • Transforaminal epidural
  • Translaminar epidural
  • Lumbar transforaminal epidural

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  • Comprehensive pain assessments
  • Individual treatment planning
  • Medication review and optimisation

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