Key Takeaways
- Corticosteroids help control pain by reducing inflammation.
- They can be taken as pills, applied on the skin, or injected into the body.
- Corticosteroids can have side effects like nausea and dizziness.
Corticosteroids are a class of strong anti-inflammatory drugs that can be used to control severe swelling and can control certain types of pain. They are designed to act like steroids that occur naturally in your body.
Corticosteroids work by altering the immune response, controlling inflammation, which can cause pain and decrease movement. Corticosteroids may be taken in pill form, applied topically to the skin, or injected directly into the tissues. These drugs differ from steroids used for athletic performance.
How Corticosteroids Are Used
Corticosteroids tend to be used in the short term, though they are often used by people who have chronic pain conditions. Some people take them for chronic swelling of the joints and tendons. Corticosteroids are frequently used to treat flare-ups or episodes of acute pain associated with long-term conditions.
They may be prescribed for people who have the following conditions to decrease pain and increase joint and tissue mobility.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Synovitis
- Tendonitis
How Corticosteroids Work
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation because they’re similar in chemical composition to cortisone, an anti-inflammatory hormone made by your adrenal glands.
Inflammation is your body’s response to injury, infection, or foreign substances. When your immune system doesn’t function properly, this inflammatory reaction can cause tissue damage. Inflammation can lead to swelling and pain in different areas of your body. Corticosteroids help slow or prevent the production of molecules involved in inflammation, which helps to provide pain relief.
Common Types of Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids come in different forms that may be used to control pain and inflammation, including oral medications, topical treatments, and injections. The forms used vary in their reach in the body and how long they stay active.
Oral Medications
Oral steroids are systemic steroids that circulate in the bloodstream to many parts of the body. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral corticosteroids for chronic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.Some of the most common include:
- Dexamethasone
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
Topical Medications
Topical steroids are applied at the site where their action is desired. Topical corticosteroids can come in the form of lotions, creams, gels, ointments, foam, and sprays. They reduce pain and inflammation by constricting small blood vessels in the skin called capillaries. Some examples include:
- Clobetasol propionate
- Fluocinonide
- Halcinonide
- Prednicarbate
- Hydrocortisone
Injections
Corticosteroid injections may be prescribed by your healthcare provider to treat muscular, skeletal, or spinal conditions. Your provider gives the injection around the affected nerve or joint, causing pain.These include:
- Methylprednisolone acetate injection
- Triamcinolone acetonide injection
- Dexamethasone injection
Some injected and intravenous steroids are used systemically. Others address local inflammation, such as injections into joints.
Potential Corticosteroid Side Effects
Like any pain medication, corticosteroids have potential side effects. These include:
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Skin changes, such as acne, redness, or excess hair growth
- Psychological changes, such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings
- Cushing’s syndrome (in the case of long-term use)
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any symptoms that are persistent, bothersome, or new to you.
Abrupt discontinuation of corticosteroid treatment can also produce side effects. For this reason, corticosteroid treatment is tapered, with dosages gradually reduced. Symptoms that may be experienced with abrupt discontinuation include:
- Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, fever, joint and muscle pain
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Labored breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Serious Corticosteroid Side Effects
Some side effects of corticosteroids require immediate medical attention. If any of the following symptoms occur while taking a corticosteroid, contact your healthcare provider immediately:
- Excessive swelling in the hands, feet or face
- A rash that does not go away
- Visual changes or eye pain
- Tarry bowel movements
- New muscle pains or weakness
