Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid Injections in Colorado Springs, CO
Corticosteroid injections can provide temporary relief from joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and certain other musculoskeletal conditions. Eric K. Jepson, DO, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in arthritis disease management and complex hip and knee conditions. Dr. Jepson evaluates patients in Colorado Springs and surrounding Southern Colorado communities to identify the source of their symptoms and determine whether a corticosteroid injection should be included in a personalized nonsurgical treatment plan.
What are Corticosteroid Injections?
Corticosteroid injections are anti-inflammatory injections used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in joints, muscles, tendons, and soft tissues. They contain a synthetic form of cortisol - a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands - and are often combined with a local anesthetic to provide immediate and long-lasting pain relief.
When are Corticosteroid Injections Indicated?
Corticosteroid injections are indicated when pain and inflammation persist despite rest, medications, or physical therapy. They are commonly used for localized inflammatory conditions affecting joints, tendons, bursae, and soft tissues, such as:
Eric K. Jepson, DO
BOARD-CERTIFIED ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEONDr. Eric K. Jepson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip & knee reconstruction, total joint replacement, & complex revision surgery. A Colorado Springs native, he returned to his hometown after completing advanced fellowship training in Total Joint Arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute, one of the nation's premier centers for hip & knee replacement surgery.
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Bursitis
- Tendinitis
- Frozen shoulder
- Trigger finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Gout (acute flare)
- Synovitis (joint lining inflammation)
How Should I Prepare for a Corticosteroid Injection?
Before a corticosteroid injection, inform your doctor about allergies, medications (especially blood thinners), diabetes, or infections. You may need to stop certain medicines temporarily. Avoid applying creams at the injection site on the day of treatment. Eat normally unless advised otherwise. Arrange transportation if you feel discomfort afterward. Follow all specific instructions given by your healthcare provider.
What Should I Expect During a Corticosteroid Injection?
During a corticosteroid injection, you will be positioned comfortably while the skin over the treatment area is cleaned. A local anesthetic may be applied to reduce discomfort. The doctor inserts a thin needle into the affected joint or soft tissue, sometimes using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. You may feel brief pressure or a stinging sensation. The medication is then injected, and the needle is removed. The procedure usually takes only a few minutes, and you can return home shortly afterward.
What Happens After Corticosteroid Injections?
After corticosteroid injections, rest the treated area for 24–48 hours and avoid strenuous activity. Mild pain or swelling may occur; apply ice if needed. Monitor for redness, fever, or worsening pain. Resume normal activities gradually. Follow your doctor’s advice on physical therapy and medications. Pain relief usually begins within a few days and may last weeks to months.
What are the Risks and Benefits of Corticosteroid Injections?
Benefits
- Rapid reduction of pain and inflammation
- Targeted treatment directly at the affected site
- Improved joint mobility and function
- Helps start or continue physical therapy comfortably
- May delay or avoid surgery
- Quick outpatient procedure with minimal downtime
Risks
- Temporary pain flare after injection
- Skin thinning or discoloration at the injection site
- Infection (rare)
- Tendon weakening or rupture (with repeated injections)
- Elevated blood sugar (especially in diabetics)
- Temporary facial flushing
When used appropriately and not too frequently, corticosteroid injections are generally safe and effective.
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Corticosteroid Injections in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Arthritis management expertise: His clinical interests include arthritis disease management and the treatment of complex hip and knee problems.
- Accurate diagnosis before treatment: Dr. Jepson evaluates the cause of pain and inflammation before recommending an injection.
- Personalized recommendations: The decision to use corticosteroids considers the affected joint, symptom severity, overall health and previous treatments.
- Conservative treatment options: Injections may be combined with physical therapy, activity modification, medication or other nonsurgical care.
- Patient education: Dr. Jepson explains the expected benefits, limitations, potential risks and recommended frequency of injections.
- Continuity of care: If injections no longer provide sufficient relief, he can discuss other appropriate treatments, including joint replacement when indicated.
Corticosteroid Injections FAQs
A local anesthetic may provide relief within several hours, while the corticosteroid commonly takes a few days to produce its full effect. Some patients experience a temporary increase in pain after the injection before improvement begins.
Relief may last from several weeks to several months, but the response varies considerably. The severity of arthritis, activity level and previous response to injections can affect the duration. Some patients may obtain limited or no meaningful relief.
The recommended frequency depends on the joint, diagnosis, health and response to previous injections. Repeated injections may weaken nearby tissues or affect cartilage, so they are generally limited. Dr. Jepson will recommend an appropriate schedule based on individual circumstances.
Corticosteroids can temporarily raise blood glucose levels. Patients with diabetes should inform Dr. Jepson before treatment and may need to monitor their glucose more closely following an injection. Coordination with the clinician managing diabetes may also be recommended.
Patients are commonly advised to protect the treated joint and avoid strenuous activity for a short period. Mild soreness may be managed with ice if approved by the care team. Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, fever or severe pain should be reported promptly because these symptoms could indicate a complication.
Schedule a Corticosteroid Injection Consultation in Colorado Springs
If arthritis-related joint pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and determine whether corticosteroid injections or another nonsurgical treatment may be appropriate. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for arthritis and joint care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
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