If oral or topical medications aren't enough, a doctor can inject a steroid medication (which may be combined with a local anesthetic) directly into the joint every three months to four months. Steroid injections are most commonly used in people with arthritis, joint disease, or tendinitis. The procedure is effective, but it's usually temporary. It can also have side effects. Other injection options include:
- Removing fluid from the joint
- Injecting hyaluronan, a synthetic version of the natural joint fluid. This is used to treat osteoarthritis.