Ankle pain can develop for many reasons, whether it’s because you wear the wrong footwear, have poor form when you exercise, or pushed yourself too hard recently.Regardless of the cause, ankle pain can make everything much harder to do.
One of the most commonly used methods to treat ankle pain is steroid injections. In this article, we will talk about what steroid injections can do for ankle pain and where in Rochester Hills you can get steroid injections for ankle pain.
What Are Steroid Injections?
Steroids are hormones that have anti-inflammatory properties, which make them very effective in treating orthopedic conditions that cause pain. The steroid is injected directly into the joint, where it works to reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief from pain and discomfort.
The most common type of steroid injection for ankle pain is called a corticosteroid injection, also referred to as a cortisone shot. Corticosteroids are synthetic hormones made from cholesterol derivatives that mimic the body’s natural hormones produced by the adrenal gland called cortisol. The hormones act like powerful anti-inflammatory agents that help reduce swelling and inflammation around the ankle joint, and they do this without causing damage to the surrounding healthy tissues. Additionally, they control the activity of the immune response by reducing the production of chemicals that are responsible for the body’s inflammatory response.
Steroid injections for ankle pain work quickly, providing immediate relief from symptoms. Relief can be felt anywhere from six weeks to six months. However, they are rarely a standalone therapy. Doctors usually recommend steroid injections along with physical therapy to boost the effectiveness of treatment and to provide lasting relief from pain. Cortisone shots are also limited in use to once every three months.
All in all, corticosteroid injections for ankle pain can be a highly effective way to manage pain from an ankle injury or a progressive condition like ankle arthritis. It can be part of a comprehensive treatment program for ankle pain.
Are Steroid Injections Safe?
It is important to know that some people experience side effects from steroid injections. Your doctor will consider your medical history before recommending this type of treatment for ankle pain. If you are concerned about negative side effects from steroid injections, do not hesitate to let your doctor know. Informed patientsare the best kind of patients and also tend to have the best outcomes. Most of the time, however, steroid injections, when administered by a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, are low-risk. It is highly possible that none of the reported side effects will occur.
If you are interested in steroid injections for ankle pain, consult a board-certified orthopedic surgeon for the safe administration of this treatment.
Steroid Injections for Ankle Pain in Rochester Hills, MI
Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren is a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon at Ahlgren Spine. He offers pain management for a range of orthopedic conditions, including ankle pain. Dr. Ahlgren will first ensure that you are a good candidate for steroid injections before prescribing it, and create a treatment plan with different elements to give you the best results.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ahlgren, call our main office in Rochester Hills today at (248) 215-8080, or use our convenient online request form.
