Steroid pain relief injections, often called cortisone shots, are among the most effective non-surgical treatments for joint and soft tissue inflammation. Millions of people receive these injections every year to manage pain caused by arthritis, tendon injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. They work by reducing inflammation at its source, allowing patients to move more comfortably and recover faster.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, we specialize in providing non-operative orthopedic treatments in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, FL, including steroid injections for pain. Under the care of Dr. Kevin McCarthy, patients receive precise, targeted treatment plans designed to relieve discomfort and restore mobility with compassion and expertise.
If you’ve ever wondered whether pain relief injections might help you, here’s what you need to know about how they work, what they treat, and why they’re a trusted option for long-term pain management.
1. What Are Steroid Injections and How Do They Work?
Steroid injections, also called corticosteroid injections, deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into painful or swollen areas of the body. The medicine used in these injections mimics cortisol, a natural hormone produced by your adrenal glands that helps control inflammation and immune responses.
When injected into a joint, tendon, or surrounding tissue, the corticosteroid helps reduce swelling, ease stiffness, and relieve pain by calming the immune system’s overactive response in that area. This localized effect makes the treatment especially effective for conditions involving inflammation.
How do steroid injections work?
The medication reduces the buildup of inflammatory cells and chemicals in the affected tissue. This process minimizes irritation, allowing the joint or tendon to heal more efficiently. Relief can begin within a few days and may last several weeks or months, depending on the underlying condition and activity level.
Steroid injections are not painkillers in the traditional sense; they address the root cause of pain (inflammation) rather than simply masking discomfort.
2. Conditions That Can Benefit From Steroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to treat both acute and chronic conditions involving inflammation. Dr. McCarthy may recommend pain relief injections for:
- Arthritis (such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Tendinitis and tendinopathy
- Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around joints)
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee, shoulder, hip, or ankle pain
These injections are particularly beneficial for patients seeking to avoid surgery or reduce pain during rehabilitation. They are often combined with other non-operative treatments, such as physical therapy and viscosupplementation, to enhance long-term results.
Because the medication targets inflammation directly at the source, patients typically experience a noticeable improvement in mobility and function, often within days of treatment.
3. The Procedure: What to Expect During and After Treatment
One of the advantages of cortisone shots for pain is that they’re quick, safe, and minimally invasive. The entire process typically takes less than 15 minutes and can be performed right in the office.
Before the Injection
Dr. McCarthy will first evaluate your medical history and symptoms to determine if a steroid injection is appropriate. He may order imaging, such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to identify the most effective injection site.
During the Procedure
- The area is cleaned and sterilized to prevent infection.
- A local anesthetic may be applied to minimize discomfort.
- Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. McCarthy carefully inserts a fine needle into the affected joint or tissue and administers the medication.
- You may feel mild pressure or a brief sting, but the procedure is generally well-tolerated.
After the Injection
- Some patients experience mild soreness or a “steroid flare” for 24–48 hours.
- Ice packs and rest can help ease temporary discomfort.
- Most people notice pain relief within a few days, although for some, it may take up to a week.
- You can usually return to normal activities within a day or two, but it’s best to avoid strenuous movement for at least 48 hours.
The results vary; some patients enjoy months of relief, while others may require periodic treatments as part of a comprehensive care plan.
4. Benefits of Steroid Injections Compared to Other Treatments
Steroid pain relief injections offer several advantages over oral medications and some other conservative treatments.
Targeted Pain Relief
Because the medication is injected directly into the problem area, it provides localized treatment without affecting the rest of the body as much as oral steroids or painkillers.
Reduced Inflammation and Swelling
Unlike medications that only mask pain, corticosteroids reduce inflammation, the primary cause of discomfort in most orthopedic conditions.
Improved Mobility and Function
Patients often experience an increased range of motion and less stiffness, making daily activities more manageable.
Minimally Invasive and Fast
The procedure requires no downtime and can be done in-office, allowing patients to resume normal routines quickly.
Complementary to Other Therapies
Steroid injections work well alongside physical therapy or viscosupplementation treatments, both of which are available at Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics, to promote long-term joint health and prevent future flare-ups.
5. Why Patients in Hollywood, FL, Choose This Option for Pain Relief
In South Florida’s active community, many residents experience joint or tendon pain from sports, repetitive motion, or age-related wear. Steroid injections provide an effective, non-surgical option to help patients return to their active lifestyles without significant downtime.
At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics in Hollywood, FL, Dr. McCarthy takes a patient-centered approach to care. Each injection is customized based on the individual’s condition, overall health, and activity level. His expertise in non-operative orthopedic treatments ensures that patients receive the right combination of therapies to achieve lasting relief.
Whether you’re dealing with shoulder stiffness, knee arthritis, or tennis elbow, our goal is to help you move comfortably and confidently again.
Finding Relief With Dr. Kevin McCarthy
Living with chronic pain can make even simple movements challenging. Steroid pain relief injections offer a safe, effective way to manage inflammation, restore function, and improve your quality of life, without surgery. At Kevin McCarthy, MD Orthopedics in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, FL, Dr. McCarthy provides non-surgical pain management options, including steroid and viscosupplementation injections, to help patients regain mobility and strength.
If pain is limiting your daily activities, we’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery. Call (954) 963-3500 or use our online form to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a steroid injection?
It’s an injection containing corticosteroid medication that reduces inflammation and pain in a specific joint or soft tissue area.
How long do steroid injections last?
Relief may last from several weeks to a few months, depending on your condition and activity level.
Are steroid injections safe?
When performed by a trained orthopedic specialist, they are generally safe and well-tolerated. Dr. McCarthy follows strict safety guidelines to minimize risk.
Can I get more than one injection?
Yes, but most patients should not receive more than three injections in the same area within a year to protect tendon and tissue health.
Do steroid injections work immediately?
Some patients feel relief within hours, while others may notice improvement over several days as inflammation decreases.
