Print Complete Article View article with questions
Last updated Thursday, December 30, 2004
Types of arthritis
Corticosteroids are used to treat several forms of arthritis. Following are examples of some of the rheumatic diseases and conditions that respond to corticosteroid treatment:
Administration
Doctors often prescribe corticosteroids in pill form, but there are other ways of taking them. For osteoarthritis and bursitis, corticosteroids often are injected directly into the joint or bursa. For other conditions, they are injected into a muscle or vein.
Doctors may use "pulse" corticosteroids--a procedure in which a very high dose of the medication is injected into a vein--e.g., when lupus seriously affects the kidneys, nervous system, or brain. Pulse corticosteroid treatment is a serious procedure that involves risks. It should only be used by specialists with appropriate training, preferably in a hospital.
Other conditions treated with corticosteroids
Skin conditions caused by certain forms of arthritis often are treated with corticosteroid creams applied directly to the spot. Certain eye conditions associated with arthritis are treated with corticosteroid eyedrops. Some allergies can be treated with nasal sprays. Unlike corticosteroid pills, corticosteroid creams, eyedrops, sprays, and injections into joints or bursae are less likely to cause side effects in other parts of the body.
This article is rated out of 5 stars (326 ratings).