Steroids are synthetic hormones that can be used to help people control symptoms of arthritis, such as pain and inflammation. The type of steroids used to treat arthritis differ by the location and severity of the condition, and include oral, topical and injected steroids, each of which may cause significant side effects. Consider these facts from the Mayo Clinic about types of steroids used for arthritis.
Oral Steroids
Oral steroids for arthritis such as prednisone may be taken as a pill or liquid to control pain and inflammation and are especially effective for arthritis that affects multiple joints.
Oral Steroid Effects
Side effects of oral steroids include high blood pressure, weight gain, osteoporosis, eye diseases and slow healing from infections and injuries.
Topical Steroids
Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone are rubbed into your skin around the joint to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
Topical Steroid Effects
Topical steroids may cause side effects at the point of contact with your skin, such as acne and redness or thinning of the skin.
Injected Steroids
Steroids such as cortisone can be injected into the part of your body that has pain caused by arthritis, such as the knees or ankles.
Injected Steroid Effects
Injected steroids may cause side effects, including pain where the steroid was injected, skin infections and changes in the appearance of the skin.
Warning
Stopping the use of prednisone suddenly can cause symptoms of withdrawal, including low blood pressure, head and body aches, extreme fatigue, nausea and vomiting.
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