The Dangers of Continued Steroid Injections in the Joint

If you’ve ever dealt with chronic joint pain—whether from arthritis, bursitis, or other inflammatory conditions—you might have been offered corticosteroid injections as a quick fix for relief. And while these injections can be effective in reducing inflammation and pain in the short term, they aren’t always the safest long-term solution.

Let’s dive into how steroid injections work, why relying on them repeatedly can be risky, and what safer alternatives you might want to consider—like physical therapy!

What Are Steroid Injections?

Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory medications injected directly into a joint, bursa, or soft tissue area to reduce pain and swelling. They’re commonly used for conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis

• Tendinitis or bursitis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Joint injuries

These injections provide temporary relief, making them useful for acute flare-ups or when pain is severely limiting mobility.

The Risks of Repeated Steroid Injections

While occasional steroid injections can be helpful, frequent or prolonged use can lead to serious side effects. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Cartilage Damage and Joint Degeneration

• Repeated steroid injections can weaken cartilage over time, accelerating joint degeneration.

• This can worsen conditions like osteoarthritis rather than help in the long run.

2. Increased Risk of Tendon Rupture

• Injecting steroids into areas near tendons can weaken the tendon fibers, increasing the risk of tears or ruptures—particularly in shoulders, knees, and Achilles tendons.

3. Bone Thinning (Osteoporosis)

• Steroids can impact bone health, leading to osteopenia or osteoporosis with frequent use, especially if injections are combined with oral corticosteroids.

4. Elevated Blood Sugar Levels

• Steroid injections can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be risky for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing it.

5. Increased Risk of Infection

• Every injection carries a small risk of infection at the injection site. Overuse increases this risk over time.

6. Diminishing Returns

• The effectiveness of steroid injections decreases the more frequently they’re used. Your body can build a tolerance, meaning relief may become shorter-lived with each shot.

How Often is Too Often?

Most guidelines suggest limiting steroid injections to 3-4 times per year in any given joint. Some providers recommend even fewer—spacing injections several months apart to minimize risks.

If you find yourself needing injections more frequently, it’s a sign to explore other treatment options.

What Are Safer Alternatives?

1. Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) focuses on strengthening muscles, improving joint mechanics, and reducing inflammation naturally.
By improving mobility, flexibility, and strength, PT can help address the root causes of joint pain—not just the symptoms.

2. Lifestyle Modifications

• Weight management: Less body weight means less stress on joints.

• Low-impact exercise: Activities like swimming, cycling, or yoga can help maintain joint function without overloading them.

3. Other Interventions

• Hyaluronic acid injections (viscosupplementation) for certain types of arthritis.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy (still being studied, but promising for some conditions).

• Anti-inflammatory medications or dietary changes.

When Steroid Injections Make Sense

Steroid injections aren’t inherently bad—when used sparingly and appropriately, they can provide much-needed relief, especially during acute flare-ups that prevent you from moving comfortably.

But they should be part of a bigger treatment plan, not the only one.

Need Help Managing Joint Pain?

At OrthoRehab, we focus on holistic care that addresses the root causes of your pain. Whether you're dealing with arthritis, tendonitis, or joint injuries, our physical therapy team is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and reduce your reliance on injections or medications.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you manage joint pain safely and effectively—without overusing steroid injections.