Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid Injections in Flint & Fenton, MI

What are Corticosteroid Injections?

Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory injections used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in joints, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. They contain a synthetic form of cortisol - a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands - and are often combined with a local anesthetic to provide immediate and long-lasting pain relief.

When are Corticosteroid Injections Indicated?

Corticosteroid injections are indicated when pain and inflammation persist despite rest, medications, or physical therapy. They are commonly used for localized inflammatory conditions affecting joints, tendons, bursae, and soft tissues, such as:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Frozen shoulder
• Trigger finger
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Gout (acute flare)
• Synovitis (joint lining inflammation)

How Should I Prepare for a Corticosteroid Injection?

Before a corticosteroid injection, inform your doctor about allergies, medications (especially blood thinners), diabetes, or infections. You may need to stop certain medicines temporarily. Avoid applying creams at the injection site on the day of treatment. Eat normally unless advised otherwise. Arrange transportation if you feel discomfort afterward. Follow all specific instructions given by your healthcare provider.

What Should I Expect During a Corticosteroid Injection?

During a corticosteroid injection, you will be positioned comfortably while the skin over the treatment area is cleaned. A local anesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort. The doctor inserts a thin needle into the affected joint or soft tissue, sometimes using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. You may feel brief pressure or a stinging sensation. The medication is then injected, and the needle is removed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and you can return home shortly afterward.

What Happens After Corticosteroid Injections?

After corticosteroid injections, rest the treated area for 24–48 hours and avoid strenuous activity. Mild pain or swelling may occur; apply ice if needed. Monitor for redness, fever, or worsening pain. Resume normal activities gradually. Follow your doctor’s advice on physical therapy and medications. Pain relief usually begins within a few days and may last weeks to months.

What are the Risks and Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections?

Benefits

• Rapid reduction of pain and inflammation
• Targeted treatment directly at the affected site
• Improved joint mobility and function
• Helps start or continue physical therapy comfortably
• May delay or avoid surgery
• Quick outpatient procedure with minimal downtime

Risks

• Temporary pain flare after injection
• Skin thinning or discoloration at the injection site
• Infection (rare)
• Tendon weakening or rupture (with repeated injections)
• Elevated blood sugar (especially in diabetics)
• Temporary facial flushing

When used appropriately and not too frequently, corticosteroid injections are generally safe and effective.

Why Choose Dr. Willson for Corticosteroid Injections in Flint and Fenton, MI?

When considering non-surgical treatment for joint pain and inflammation, experience and accurate diagnosis matter. Dr. Seann E. Willson offers comprehensive orthopedic evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help patients achieve meaningful symptom relief.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Expertise

Dr. Willson specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hip, knee, and musculoskeletal conditions, offering both conservative and surgical treatment options based on each patient's individual needs.

Personalized Treatment Recommendations

Not every patient requires surgery. Dr. Willson carefully evaluates your symptoms, medical history, activity level, and imaging studies to determine whether corticosteroid injections may be an appropriate treatment option.

Comprehensive Arthritis and Joint Pain Care

Corticosteroid injections are often part of a broader treatment strategy that may include physical therapy, medications, lifestyle modifications, joint preservation techniques, or surgical intervention when necessary.

Precise, Office-Based Treatment

Most corticosteroid injections can be performed quickly in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home shortly after treatment with minimal disruption to their daily routine.

Convenient Locations Serving Flint and Fenton

Patients throughout Flint, Fenton and surrounding Genesee County communities have access to expert orthopedic care close to home.

Corticosteroid Injections FAQs

What are corticosteroid injections?

Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory medications injected directly into a joint, tendon sheath, bursa, or soft tissue area to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve function.

What conditions can corticosteroid injections treat?

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, gout flares, and synovitis.

How do corticosteroid injections work?

The medication helps reduce inflammation in the targeted area, which can decrease pain, swelling, and stiffness while improving mobility and function.

How long does the procedure take?

Most corticosteroid injection procedures take only a few minutes and are performed in an outpatient office setting.

Are corticosteroid injections painful?

Patients may experience mild discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated. Local anesthetic may be used to help minimize discomfort.

How quickly will I feel relief?

Some patients experience relief within a few days, while others may notice gradual improvement over one to two weeks after the injection.

How long do corticosteroid injections last?

Relief varies depending on the condition being treated and individual patient factors. Benefits may last from several weeks to several months.

Can I return to normal activities after the injection?

Most patients can resume light activities shortly after treatment. However, strenuous activity should typically be avoided for 24 to 48 hours following the injection.

Are corticosteroid injections safe?

When administered appropriately, corticosteroid injections are generally considered safe and effective. Dr. Willson will discuss the risks and benefits of treatment during your consultation.

What are the possible side effects?

Potential side effects include temporary pain flare, swelling, skin discoloration, infection, tendon weakening, elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic patients, and temporary facial flushing.

How many corticosteroid injections can I receive?

The number and frequency of injections depend on the condition being treated and your overall health. Dr. Willson will recommend a treatment plan based on established guidelines and your individual needs.

Can corticosteroid injections help me avoid surgery?

In some cases, corticosteroid injections can provide significant symptom relief and help delay or reduce the need for surgical treatment. However, results vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Schedule a Corticosteroid Injection Consultation in Flint or Fenton, MI

Don't let joint pain and inflammation keep you from living an active life. Dr. Seann E. Willson provides corticosteroid injections and comprehensive orthopedic treatment for patients throughout Flint, Fenton and surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn whether corticosteroid injections may help relieve your pain, improve mobility, and support your long-term orthopedic health.