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Pain & symptom relief
Joint Steroid Injections
Brand names: Triamcinolone (Kenalog, Zilretta), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)
A corticosteroid injected directly into a joint, bursa or tendon sheath to calm local inflammation.
Video lesson
Animated explainer
What it’s used for
Inflamed joints in RA, PsA, gout, pseudogout and osteoarthritis flares, bursitis and tendon sheath inflammation.
How it works
A concentrated dose of steroid settles inflammation right where it is injected, with little reaching the rest of the body.
How it’s taken
A quick in-office injection, often with ultrasound guidance. Relief usually begins within days and can last weeks to months.
Side effects
Brief soreness, a short-lived flare, skin lightening at the site, and a temporary rise in blood sugar in people with diabetes. Infection is rare.
Monitoring
Most joints are limited to a few injections per year. People with diabetes should check blood sugar more often for a few days after.
Good to know
Rest the joint for a day or two afterward. Call your doctor if the joint becomes hot, very red or you develop a fever.
At a glance
Class
Pain & symptom relief
Brand names
Triamcinolone (Kenalog, Zilretta), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol)
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
Questions about your own care?
Book an in-person or telehealth consultation with Dr. Tahir.
For education only. Don’t start, stop or change a medicine without talking to your care team.