If you’re suffering from joint pain, you’ve probably come across two solutions: corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections.
And while both have their purpose, one may be better than the other depending on your specific situation.
Because of this, we’ll be going over both injection options in this post. We’ll detail what each of them is, their use cases, as well as when we recommend people use them.
Corticosteroid Injection
Purpose
Corticosteroid (a type of steroid horomone) is a synthetic version of the natural hormone cortisol. A corticosteroid injection mimics the effects of cortisol, so it can help treat anti-inflammatory issues.
Benefits
Fast Pain Relief: Corticosteroids work very quickly, so you’ll experience a noticeable relief in a few hours or days.
Reduces Inflammation: Highly effective when a decrease in inflammation in the joints, tendons, or surrounding tissues is required.
Treats Various Conditions: Extremely effective for managing inflammatory joint diseases as well as musculoskeletal conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, and gout.
Local Treatment: The injection is delivered directly into the affected joint, usually with the assistance of an ultrasound.
Drawbacks
Temporary Relief: The effects are often short-term. It ranges from person to person, but it’s between a few weeks to a few months.
Limited Usage: You should avoid getting more than three-four shots a year. Also, repeated use can cause damage to the joint and surrounding tissues, which may limit usage.
No Long-Term Protection: Corticosteroids don’t improve joint function or address the root problem; they just relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Duration of Relief
Relief ranges anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. This can, however, depend on the individual and also the severity of the condition.
Potential Side Effects
When it comes to getting corticosteroids, there are a few side effects you can encounter.
The main one is the weakening of cartilage and tendons. However, this only comes from repeat use.
You then have other potential side effects, such as increased blood sugar levels, which may be a concern for diabetics but this is usually temporary, and a very small risk of infection on the injected site (1:10.000 - 1:100.000).
Other than that, you may experience some post-injection flare-up of pain. This is generally only temporary and around the injected area. This is referred to as “steroid flare.”
Best For
One of the best reasons to get a corticosteroid injection is for acute pain and flare-ups. It’ll provide almost immediate relief.
Alongside this, it’s also recommended for anyone who’s suffering from inflammatory joint conditions—for example, gout, carpal tunnel, and De Quervain tenosynovitis.
It can also be good for anyone looking for short-term pain management. Therefore, if you’re going on a trip or doing a sporting event, some of the pain will be relieved.
Hyaluronic Acid Injection
Purpose
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally found substance in the body that aims to lubricate and cushion joints. Hyaluronic acid injections rejuvenate joints with natural hyaluronic acid to replenish their mobility.
Benefits
Long-Lasting Pain Relief: These injections can last up to 6 months - 1 year for most people.
Improves Joint Function: It enhances lubrication, which can help reduce the stiffness and friction felt in the joint, allowing for smooth movement.
Fewer Side Effects: Generally, it has fewer risks of long-term joint damage compared to corticosteroids.
Delays Surgery: Can possibly delay the need for surgical procedures like knee replacements for patients with moderate osteoarthritis.
Drawbacks
Slower Onset of Relief: It can take around 2 to 5 weeks for you to feel the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections.
Less Effective for Severe Arthritis: If you have severe osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid may not provide significant relief.
Higher Costs: Hyaluronic acid injections are often more expensive than corticosteroids.
Duration of Relief
Relief from hyaluronic acid is usually anywhere from 6 to 12 months. It depends on the severity of the condition as well as the individual response to the treatment.
Potential Side Effects
When it comes to hyaluronic acid injections, there are a few potential side effects that you can encounter.
The main risk is mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site. This happens with most injections.
Others include the rare risk of infection or allergic reaction. Plus, the delayed onset of relief could be an issue for people, depending on the severity of the issue.
Best For
If you have mild to moderate osteoarthritis, hyaluronic acid injections are highly recommended. They can help improve joint function and may delay the need for surgical treatment.
Alongside this, it’s recommended for anyone looking for long-term pain management. People that need sustained relief for 6 months to a year. It can also be used for anyone who has moderate issues with joint stiffness or range of motion.
Comparing Corticosteroid vs Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Factors | Corticosteroid Injection | Hyaluronic Acid Injections |
Speed of Pain Relief | Fast relief within hours or days. | Slower relief, taking 2 to 5 weeks. |
Duration of Relief | Lasts a few weeks to a few months. | Lasts longer (usually 6 to 12 months). |
Impact on Joint Health | Can cause long-term joint damage with repeated use. | Improves joint lubrication and has less risk of damage. |
Effectiveness Based on Severity | Effective for a wide range of conditions, including severe arthritis. | Best for mild to moderate osteoarthritis but less effective for severe cases. |
Costs | More affordable and cost-effective for short-term relief. | More expensive but provides long-term value. |
Side Effects | Higher risk of side effects, including blood sugar spikes and joint damage. | Fewer side effects, mainly mild pain or swelling at the area of injection. |
Surgery Delays | Short-term solution that doesn’t delay the need for surgeries. | Can delay the need for surgeries. |
Which Injection is Best for Me?
When it comes to choosing between corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, it depends on your condition, goals, and how quickly you require relief.
Below are several common situations related to musculoskeletal pain and which injection may be the best for each one:
If you need fast relief for acute pain or inflammation
Corticosteroid injection would be the best option here. It works quickly, providing relief in a few hours or days. Therefore, if you have a sporting event or trip coming up, corticosteroids would be ideal for getting immediate relief.
If you want long-lasting pain relief
Hyaluronic acid injection would be ideal for long-lasting pain relief. Unlike corticosteroids, which last a few weeks to a few months, hyaluronic acid lasts anywhere from 6 to 12 months. This also helps if you’re looking for a longer solution or are going through rehabilitation.
If you have severe inflammatory joint conditions
Corticosteroids would be the best option in this case, especially if you’re suffering from conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis, gout, or inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis). They’ll target the inflammation directly, allowing you to focus on rehabilitation or survey choices.
If you want to delay or avoid surgery
Hyaluronic acid injection would be the preferred option here due to its function-improving properties. It injects a natural bodily solution that’s used as a lubricant for our joints. As a result, this can delay the need for surgery.
If you’re concerned about joint health or long-term use
Likewise, hyaluronic acid injection would be the better option in this case. It actually improves joint mobility instead of just reducing inflammation. It also lasts longer; therefore, you’re required to get the injection less frequently, reducing the causes of joint damage.
If you need an affordable, short-term solution
Corticosteroid injection is the cheaper one out of the two. It also acts faster. However, you’ll want to weigh the costs with the duration of relief.
Hyaluronic acid injections last longer, but they are more expensive. It all depends on how your body reacts to the injections and how long they last.
If you have mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Hyaluronic acid injection would be the best option, as it can help re-lubricate the joint, improving mobility. However, if the osteoarthritis is too severe, then a hyaluronic acid injection wouldn’t be advised, as you may not feel any (or very little) relief.
If you have diabetes or other health concerns
Corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels, which can be a concern if you have diabetes or any other related conditions. In this case, hyaluronic acid injections are a safer option as they have fewer systemic side effects.
Consulting with a Healthcare Professional
Before deciding which injection to move forward with, consult with a healthcare professional. They’ll be able to tell you the best option based on your situation, goals, health, and more.
To see which injection is best for you, contact us. At The Musculoskeletal Ultrasound & Injections Clinic, we can advise you on the best option for your particular circumstance.
