For severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or symptom flare-ups, your doctor may recommend steroids to ease the pain and stiffness of affected joints. In most cases, they can be used temporarily to calm a symptom flare-up. However, some people need to take steroids for a longer time to control pain and inflammation.
You can get steroids as a shot directly into an inflamed joint or take them as a pill. (These are not the type of steroids that bulk up your muscles.)
Potential side effects of long-term steroid use include high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and diabetes. When used appropriately, however, steroids quickly improve pain and inflammation.