Steroid Injections: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Steroid Injections?
A primary care doctor, sports medicine doctor, orthopaedic surgeon, or other provider with experience in joint injections can give a steroid shot. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
The details here cover steroid shots into a joint, bursa, or tendon.
A steroid injection is a shot of medicine used to relieve a swollen or inflamed area that is often painful. It can be injected into a joint, tendon, or bursa. A bursa is a sac filled with fluid that acts as a cushion between tendons, bones, and joints.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Steroid shots help reduce the pain from many joint conditions, such as arthritis and bursitis. They also help with carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain. A steroid shot is considered an effective treatment option for many people with joint pain. This is especially true if less invasive treatments, such as oral medications and physical therapy, have not helped enough.
How to prepare
The shot is usually given in your provider's office. Your provider will tell you what preparation is needed, but usually there is none.
What happens during it
You lie on a table or sit in a chair, and the injection area is cleaned. Your provider puts in a small needle and injects medicine into the painful and inflamed area. Depending on the site, your provider may use an x-ray or ultrasound to see where to place the needle. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery
You can go home the same day. The effect of the steroid usually starts 5 to 7 days after the shot. A flare can happen, where the pain may get worse for 1 to 2 days before the steroid takes effect.
You might have slight swelling and redness around the injection site. For swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times per day.
If you have diabetes, the steroid can raise your blood sugar level. Most often, it is only by a small amount.
Look for pain, redness, swelling, or fever at the injection site. Contact your provider if these signs are becoming worse. A joint infection can be serious and may need immediate medical attention.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, fainting, swelling of the face, eyes, or tongue, or bleeding that will not stop.
Risks and side effects
Risks of a steroid shot may include these.
- Pain and bruising at the site of the injection.
- Allergic reaction to the medicine.
- Infection.
- Damage to nerves near the joint or soft tissue.
Steroid shots can harm the cells that keep the joint surface smooth. After a shot in a joint, replacement surgery in that joint should wait at least 3 months to lower the risk of infection. A steroid shot should generally not be used for tendinitis, since it can raise the chance of a tendon rupture.
Who performs it
Several kinds of providers can give a steroid shot, including primary care doctors, sports medicine doctors, and orthopaedic surgeons who have experience with joint injections.
Common questions
How many steroid shots can I get?
There is no formal limit on the number of shots you can receive. Often, doctors set a practical limit of 3 to 4 shots per year. After that, surgery may be a better option because more shots bring less pain relief. More shots may also raise the chance of infection and other problems, such as tendon tears.
Does a steroid shot cure joint pain?
No, a steroid shot does not cure the underlying cause of the inflammation. If the problem is not treated, repeated shots may become less effective over time.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Steroid injections - tendon, bursa, joint
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Cortisone Shot (Steroid Injection)
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
