Pros and Cons of Using Steroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Have you been struggling with a frozen shoulder, unable to move it as freely as before? 

If so, you may be considering steroid injections for relief. 

While a frozen shoulder injection can provide significant benefits, weighing the pros and cons before deciding if it’s right for you is important.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential side effects of steroid injections for frozen shoulder, their success rate, and more!

 Is it Good to Take Steroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder?

A 2020 study published by the National Library of Medicine shows that taking a frozen shoulder injection as the first treatment option is highly beneficial. 

Frozen shoulder steroid injections work by reducing inflammation in the shoulder joint, which can help relieve pain and improve mobility. 

However, it’s important to note that steroid injections do not cure frozen shoulder – they simply provide temporary relief.

If you’re considering steroid injections for your frozen shoulder, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional first. They can evaluate your condition and determine whether this treatment is right for you based on your medical history and potential side effects.

It’s also worth noting that while steroid injections can provide relief from symptoms, they may not be effective for everyone. Some people may experience minimal or no improvement after receiving these injections.

What are the Side Effects of Steroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder?

Like any other medical procedure, it has its share of side effects that cannot be overlooked. 

Some of the most reported side effects of steroid injections for frozen shoulder include:

• Joint infection
• Nerve damage
• Temporary facial flushing
• Temporary flare of pain and inflammation in the joint
• Temporary increase in blood sugar
• Tendon weakening or rupture

An increase in blood sugar levels can cause problems for diabetic patients or those who have prediabetes. This happens because steroids can affect insulin resistance leading to hyperglycemia. Monitoring your blood sugar regularly is important if you’re undergoing steroid treatments.

Weight gain is another potential problem associated with these injections as they tend to increase appetite and fluid retention, resulting in bloating or puffiness around the eyes and face.

Sleep disturbance is also fairly common among people using steroids. They may experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to increased energy levels caused by elevated cortisol levels (a hormone produced by adrenal glands).

Drawbacks of Steroid Injections for Frozen Shoulder

Steroid injections for frozen shoulder do provide some relief from pain and stiffness. However, the success rate varies from patient to patient and largely depends on the severity of the condition.

It’s important to note that while these injections may provide some relief, they are not a long-term solution for frozen shoulder. The effects usually wear off within a few weeks or months and may require additional rounds of shots.

What is a Permanent Solution for Frozen Shoulder?

Dr. Allan Gary Oolo-Austin at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics developed the Manual Capsular Dissection (MCD) procedure to help patients find relief from pain. 

It is a revolutionary non-surgical procedure that boasts a 98% success rate in restoring range of motion and functionality to frozen shoulders.

The procedure for this frozen shoulder treatment lasts for an hour and is performed using local anesthetics and IV analgesics for a safer and more effective approach. After the MCD Procedure, you can perform everyday activities within days or, at most, weeks.

If you’ve been experiencing frozen shoulder for a while, you should consider speaking with a shoulder specialist at World Frozen Shoulder Clinics. With the MCD procedure, you’ll return to doing what you love in no time.

Book a free consultation today. 

Categorised in: Blog - World Frozen Shoulder Clinic