local steroid injections are generally well tolerated and are less likely than other forms of steroid medications to produce serious side effects. before a joint is injected with a steroid joint fluid may be removed for testing. testing the joint fluid is especially important if the diagnosis is uncertain. steroid injections often reduce joint inflammation helping preserve joint structure and function. steroid injections may help avoid the need for oral steroids or increased doses of oral steroids which could have greater side effects.
what are the expected benefits of steroid injections?