For decades, corticosteroid injections have been a go-to treatment for joint pain, inflammation, and soft tissue injuries. They’re fast-acting, widely available, and often covered by insurance. But recent studies are shedding light on the other side of the story—revealing risks that can have lasting consequences on your health.
🚨 What the Latest Research Says
- Local and Systemic Side Effects (AJR, March 2024)
A comprehensive review by Kamel et al. in the American Journal of Roentgenology summarizes both local and systemic risks of corticosteroid injections—they report issues such as:
- Post injection flare, skin hypopigmentation, atrophy, infection, tendon rupture, and progression of osteoarthritis.
- Systemic effects like adrenal suppression, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and osteoporosis.
Read the full article: Local and Systemic Side Effects of Corticosteroid Injections for Musculoskeletal Indications
- Cutaneous Atrophy Case Report (JMIR Dermatology, Feb 2025)
Colwell et al. describe two patients who developed significant soft‑tissue and skin atrophy (thinning, wrinkling, discoloration) months after wrist injections for tendonitis. These effects were persistent and underrecognized.
Explore the case report: Cutaneous Atrophy Following Corticosteroid Injections for Tendonitis
- Joint Damage & Accelerated Osteoarthritis (Radiology, 2020)
A review in Radiology highlights structural complications such as cartilage loss, subchondral fractures, osteonecrosis, rapid joint destruction, and hastened need for hip or knee replacement.
Key insights available here: jointrehab.com
⚠️ Why This Matters
Corticosteroid injections may relieve pain in the short term, but repeated or excessive use can result in long-term harm—particularly for patients with diabetes, osteoporosis, or pre-existing joint disorders.
🧭 Clinical Implications
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Limit frequency and dosage of corticosteroid injections when possible.
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Provide comprehensive informed information—discuss local, systemic, and structural risks.
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Consider non-steroidal alternatives: physical therapy, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), hyaluronic acid, and other regenerative options.
Curious about how PRP could help your patients heal naturally and avoid steroid-related complications?
📞 Contact Transcend Biologics to learn more about our PRP solutions and how we support providers with clinically proven kits, training, and patient education tools.
➡️ Visit transcendbiologics.com to get started.