From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against injecting corticosteroids into your elbow yourself, as this procedure should only be performed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Risks and Considerations
Corticosteroid injections for elbow conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) require proper sterile technique, accurate anatomical placement using landmarks or ultrasound guidance, and appropriate dosing based on your specific condition 1. Self-injection risks serious complications including infection, tendon rupture, nerve damage, skin discoloration, and improper placement.
Recommended Approach
These injections typically involve medications like methylprednisolone, triamcinolone, or betamethasone, usually combined with a local anesthetic like lidocaine. Additionally, steroid injections are not always the first-line treatment for elbow pain; conservative approaches like rest, ice, physical therapy, and oral anti-inflammatory medications are often tried first 1.
Professional Guidance
Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and suppressing immune responses in the affected area, but they should be used judiciously as repeated injections can weaken tendons and surrounding tissues over time. It is essential to consult with qualified healthcare professionals such as orthopedic specialists, sports medicine physicians, or rheumatologists for proper evaluation and treatment of elbow pain, including the consideration of corticosteroid injections 1.
From the Research
Corticosteroid Injections for Elbow Conditions
- Corticosteroid injections can be used to treat various elbow conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, medial and lateral epicondylitis, and olecranon bursitis 2.
- The injections can provide relief from pain and inflammation, and can be used as a diagnostic tool to determine the source of pain in the elbow region 2.
Efficacy of Corticosteroid Injections
- Studies have shown that corticosteroid injections can be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) in the short term 3.
- However, the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections may decrease over time, and may be less effective than other treatments in the intermediate and long terms 3.
- A study found that combined steroid and lignocaine injection can be beneficial in resistant cases of tennis elbow, with significant improvement in pain scores at 7 and 28 days 4.
Safety and Adverse Effects
- Corticosteroid injections can be associated with adverse effects, such as skin atrophy, post-injection worsening of pain, and relapse 5, 3.
- The risk of adverse effects can be minimized by using proper techniques, choosing the right pharmaceuticals, and following up with patients to monitor their response to treatment 2.