Key Takeaways
- Oral pain medications such as NSAIDs help manage short-term inflammation and mild pain throughout the body.
- Steroid injections deliver targeted, longer-lasting relief by treating inflammation directly at the source.
- Each treatment has different timelines, benefits, and side effects that affect which is best for your condition.
- The right choice depends on your diagnosis, pain severity, and medical history, and often involves combining both treatments.
- Dr. Kevin McCarthy, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Hollywood, FL, provides expert, personalized pain management through non-operative treatments and injections that restore comfort and mobility. Schedule an appointment today to find the best solution for you.
Understanding Pain Management in Orthopedic Care
Pain is one of the most common reasons people visit an orthopedic specialist. Whether caused by tennis elbow, shoulder inflammation, or arthritis, the goal is always the same: reduce pain and restore mobility as efficiently as possible.
At Dr. Kevin McCarthy’s orthopedic practice in Hollywood, FL, personalized care is key. Treatment options typically begin with conservative therapies, like rest, physical therapy, bracing, and oral anti-inflammatory medications. When these approaches don’t provide enough relief, steroid injections may be recommended for faster, more localized results.
How Oral Pain Medications Work
Systemic Relief for General Inflammation
Oral medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen or naproxen, work by blocking enzymes that cause inflammation. This helps decrease swelling and relieve pain in multiple areas of the body at once.
These medications are often prescribed for mild to moderate pain caused by joint inflammation, muscle overuse, or tendon strain. They can help patients continue daily activities and physical therapy while the underlying issue heals.
Advantages of Oral Pain Medications
- Easily accessible and convenient for at-home use
- Provide whole-body inflammation relief
- Effective for mild or early-stage orthopedic conditions
- Allow flexibility in short-term symptom management
However, since oral medications are absorbed systemically, they may not deliver concentrated relief for chronic or severe inflammation in a specific joint or tendon.
How Steroid Injections Work
Targeted Relief at the Source
Steroid injections, often referred to as corticosteroid injections or cortisone shots, deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, tendon, or bursa.
This precise delivery reduces local swelling, relieves pain, and improves range of motion, often within 24 to 72 hours.
At Dr. Kevin McCarthy’s clinic, these injections are performed for conditions like tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis, and knee arthritis, providing targeted relief and allowing patients to return to activity sooner.
Benefits of Steroid Injections
- Localized treatment with minimal systemic side effects
- Fast-acting relief that can last weeks or months
- Effective when oral medications or therapy aren’t enough
- May help postpone or avoid surgical intervention
Comparing Steroid Injections and Oral Pain Medications
To understand which treatment is right for you, it helps to compare how each option works, how quickly it acts, and how long it lasts.
| Feature | Steroid Injections | Oral Pain Medications (NSAIDs) |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Method | Injected directly into the joint or tendon | Taken by mouth, absorbed into the bloodstream |
| Onset of Relief | Within 1–3 days | Within 30–60 minutes |
| Duration of Effect | Weeks to several months | Hours to a few days |
| Target Area | Localized inflammation | Generalized body inflammation |
| Best For | Persistent or severe pain | Mild to moderate pain |
| Potential Risks | Temporary soreness, rare tissue weakening | Stomach irritation, ulcers with long-term use |
| Follow-Up | Usually 3–6 months between injections | Can be taken daily under medical guidance |
As shown above, steroid injections are ideal for patients seeking faster, longer-lasting relief in a specific area, while oral pain medications are better suited for managing widespread or temporary discomfort.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Both treatments are safe when used under medical supervision, but it’s important to understand potential side effects.
Steroid Injections
- Temporary soreness or bruising at the injection site
- Mild flare-up of pain for 24–48 hours post-injection
- Rare cases of tendon weakening if used excessively
Oral Pain Medications
- Possible stomach irritation or indigestion
- Increased risk of ulcers with long-term use
- May cause elevated blood pressure or kidney strain in some patients
At Dr. McCarthy’s Hollywood office, every treatment plan is customized to your medical history, ensuring optimal pain relief while minimizing risks.
When to Consider Steroid Injections
Steroid injections are particularly effective when pain or inflammation persists despite rest, therapy, or medication.
You may benefit from injections if you experience:
- Chronic elbow or shoulder pain from overuse (such as tennis elbow)
- Joint inflammation that limits mobility
- Recurrent swelling that doesn’t respond to oral NSAIDs
In these cases, injections can help restore function and allow you to progress more quickly through physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises.
Why Consulting a Specialist Matters
Pain management isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best treatment option depends on your condition, overall health, and goals. Dr. Kevin McCarthy uses a comprehensive diagnostic approach, including imaging, movement assessment, and medical history review, to recommend the most effective and least invasive solution.
His expertise in sports medicine, orthopedic injections, and non-operative care ensures that each patient receives a treatment plan designed for long-term relief and recovery.
Find the Right Pain Relief with Dr. Kevin McCarthy
If pain is holding you back, expert care can help you move forward confidently. Whether you’re considering oral medications, steroid injections, or a combination of both, personalized treatment makes all the difference.
Start your recovery journey today. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin McCarthy, a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Hollywood, FL, to explore advanced pain management and injection therapy options for lasting relief.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cortisone shot do?
A cortisone shot delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, reducing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Relief typically begins within a few days and can last for several months.
What’s the difference between oral and injectable steroids?
Oral steroids or NSAIDs work throughout the body, while injectable steroids target a specific joint or tendon for more direct relief. Injections are generally more effective for localized pain and inflammation.
How often can I get a steroid injection?
Most patients can safely receive injections every 3–6 months, depending on the condition and medical history. Dr. McCarthy will determine the best interval for your needs.
Are steroid injections safe?
Yes. When administered by an orthopedic specialist like Dr. McCarthy, injections are safe and effective. Side effects are rare and typically mild.
When should I choose oral medication instead?
If your pain is mild or short-term, oral medications are a convenient first step. If inflammation persists or becomes more localized, steroid injections may be recommended for longer-lasting relief.
