Using Corticosteroids for Pain Control

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.

This article will discuss the use of corticosteroids for reducing pain, including how they work, potential side effects, and more.

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 to slow the 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.

Oral Medications

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 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
  

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.

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

Summary

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs that can alter your body's immune response to control swelling and pain. They may be prescribed to treat flare-ups in those with chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Corticosteroids come in different forms, including oral and topical medications as well as injections.

Potential side effects of corticosteroids include nausea, headaches, skin changes, and dizziness. Contact your healthcare provider immediately for any serious side effects, such as visual changes or tarry bowel movements.