From the Guidelines
A steroid injection into the elbow joint to control fluid typically lasts between 6 to 12 weeks, though individual responses vary. The most commonly used medications are corticosteroids such as methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), triamcinolone (Kenalog), or betamethasone (Celestone), often mixed with a local anesthetic like lidocaine for immediate pain relief, as suggested by recent guidelines 1. The steroid works by reducing inflammation in the joint, which decreases fluid production and swelling while providing pain relief. Factors affecting duration include the severity of the underlying condition, the specific steroid used, and individual patient characteristics. Some patients may experience relief for only a few weeks, while others might benefit for several months.
After the injection, patients should rest the joint for 24-48 hours and monitor for potential side effects such as temporary pain flare-up, skin discoloration, or infection, as recommended by experts 1. If fluid accumulation recurs after the effects wear off, the underlying cause should be addressed rather than relying solely on repeated injections, as frequent steroid use can potentially damage joint cartilage over time. It's also important to consider the safety of intra-articular therapies, including the risk of septic arthritis, which is very low but can be minimized with proper aseptic technique 1.
Key considerations for steroid injections in the elbow joint include:
- The use of aseptic technique to minimize the risk of infection 1
- The potential for transient increased glycaemia in diabetic patients 1
- The importance of individualized treatment decisions, taking into account factors such as treatment options, compound used, systemic treatment, and comorbidities 1
- The need to avoid overuse of the injected joint for 24 hours following the injection, while also discouraging immobilization 1.
Overall, the decision to use steroid injections in the elbow joint should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the potential benefits and risks, as well as the individual patient's needs and circumstances, as outlined in recent guidelines 1.
From the Research
Duration of Steroid Injection Effects
- The duration of pain relief after a steroid injection into the elbow joint can vary, with one study reporting an average duration of 12.5 weeks 2.
- Another study found that intra-articular injections of corticosteroids can provide good clinical benefit for up to 6 months and even longer 3.
- The effects of the injection can last for several weeks to months, with some patients experiencing relief for up to 64 weeks 2.
Factors Influencing Duration
- The duration of pain relief may be influenced by factors such as the type and dose of corticosteroid used, as well as individual patient characteristics 3, 4.
- Younger age was associated with progression to surgical intervention, suggesting that the duration of pain relief may be shorter in younger patients 2.
Clinical Considerations
- Corticosteroid injections are an effective method of pain control in patients with elbow arthritis, with a low side effect profile 2, 3.
- However, systemic absorption and side effects of locally injected glucocorticoids can occur, and caution should be exercised when using these injections in higher risk patients 4.