Effects

• Corticosteroids, whether taken by injection, applied topically, sniffed via an inhaler or orally consumed, mimic the hormones that your adrenal glands naturally produce or should be producing.
  
  

Benefits

• Corticosteroids are effective in controlling inflammation and the subsequent pain because the medications are quite similar to natural steroids and replicate their functions.
  
  

Time Frame

• Generally speaking, a doctor will not give any more than three or four corticosteroid injections per year.
  
  

Side Effects

• If you are considering getting hydrocortisone injections in your knee or knees, consider the side effects, which can include shrinking of the soft tissue at the site of the injection as well as loss of pigment in the skin. Other outcomes may include infection and pain.
  
  

Considerations

• After weighing the pros and cons, if you decide to proceed ask your physician about the possibility of taking low-does corticosteroids on a short-term basis. If you must take corticosteroids on a long-term basis, consider eating less or, on the other hand, increasing your level of physical activity to avoid gaining weight.
  
  

Potential

• Ask your physician if you should be taking vitamin D and calcium supplements to prevent bone thinning, which can be caused by corticosteroids.