What are corticosteroids?

Corticosteroids, sometimes known as "glucocorticoids," are a class of potent medications that play a vital role in modern medicine. It is crucial to clarify that they are entirely different from the anabolic steroids used in different contexts; corticosteroids are chemically designed to mimic the hormones naturally produced by your adrenal glands, which help the body adapt to stress caused by illnesses and injuries [1].

How they work and their medical uses?

These medications work primarily by reducing inflammation and modifying the immune system's response [1]. When the body suffers from a condition causing excessive inflammation or when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's tissues, as in autoimmune diseases, these medications help suppress this excessive immune activity, which helps alleviate pain, swelling, and redness associated with various medical conditions. Thanks to these properties, corticosteroids are prescribed to treat a wide range of diseases, including arthritis, asthma, skin conditions such as eczema and rashes, in addition to lupus, multiple sclerosis, and even some types of cancer as part of a comprehensive treatment plan [1].

Special considerations and local injections

Corticosteroids come in various forms, including oral tablets, sprays, creams, and injections. Local injections are a popular option for treating localized pain in tendons, joints, or bursae, such as cases of bursitis or tendonitis [2]. During the injection procedure, a healthcare provider may use X-rays or ultrasound to identify the location precisely before injecting a small amount of the medication mixed with a local anesthetic to reduce immediate pain [2]. The effect of the injection usually takes 5 to 7 days to start clearly alleviating symptoms [2].

Side effects and safety guidelines

Due to the potency of these medications, it is standard medical practice to prescribe them for the shortest possible duration to minimize the risk of potential side effects, which may include reduced bone density or the development of cataracts [1]. In addition, the doctor may need to discontinue treatment gradually to avoid any complications resulting from stopping abruptly. For a deeper understanding of how to manage these medications and the safe steps to end treatment, you can review our article on Corticosteroids: When are they used, their side effects, and how to stop safely? (Arabic).

There are special precautions to consider. Patients should inform their doctors about any medications they are taking or any medical history related to diabetes. For diabetic patients, it is essential to note that corticosteroid injections may lead to an increase in blood glucose levels for several days after the injection; therefore, it is recommended to monitor blood sugar levels frequently during this period [2]. If signs such as increased pain, severe redness, unusual swelling, or fever appear after the injection, you must contact your healthcare provider immediately to evaluate the condition, as these symptoms may indicate complications requiring medical intervention [2].

Medical references

• Steroids
• Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint