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Steroids Treatment for Knee Pain in Dhakuria

Steroids

Steroids Treatment for Knee Pain in Dhakuria

Steroids, also known as corticosteroids or glucocorticosteroids, are synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs that work by minimising inflammation and suppressing immune system activity. Corticosteroids are similar to cortisol produced by adrenal glands, which play a major role in many biological processes, including metabolism, stress, and immune response. Steroids are typically administered locally or systemically. Local steroids are given as joint injections, ear and eye drops, and topical creams, while systemic steroids are given orally, intravenously (veins), or intramuscularly (muscle). Corticosteroids are usually addressed in patients with damaged critical organs due to inflammation. Although steroids ease swelling or inflammation, the medications have significant side effects, especially if they are used for prolonged periods. When prescribing corticosteroids, specialists assess the benefits and risks of the drug prescribed. This includes the severity and nature of the condition being addressed, the presence or absence of treatment alternatives, and other medical problems.

At Manipal Hospitals in Dhakura, West Bengal, specialists at the Department of Rheumatology carefully assess every patient before prescribing corticosteroids, ensuring a tailored approach to treatment.

FAQ's

Some indications that may necessitate corticosteroid therapy include:

  • Infectious and inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis

  • Emergencies like shock or hypercalcemia

  • Severe allergies or autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis

  • Water excretion and hypoglycemia

  • Excess secretion of adrenal glands

  • Graft rejection in Organ Transplantation

  • Neurological and blood disorders, such as haemolytic anaemia or swelling of the brain

  • Skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis or pemphigus vulgaris

  • For those who may need hormone replacements, i.e., replacing missing corticosteroids

  • Cancers, such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and others of early, advanced, and recurrent stages

  • Individuals diagnosed with digestive and endocrine disorders, such as inflammatory bowel disease and congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Certain cases or individual factors may make steroid medications unsuitable for your condition, which may include:

  • Certain allergic reactions or hypersensitivity to steroids

  • Concurrent administration of both live or live-attenuated vaccines along with immunosuppressive drugs

  • Systemic fungal infection 

  • Co-morbidities such as uncontrolled hyperglycemia and/or hypertension, or diabetes mellitus

  • Osteoporosis

  • Glaucoma

  • Certain infections, such as joint infections, herpes simplex keratitis, or varicella infections

Specialists may advise caution if you have a peptic ulcer, a prior history of heart failure, including congestive heart failure, or certain bacterial or viral infections that cannot be treated with conventional medications.

In a normal immune system, inflammation is a protective response that helps the body fight against infections like pathogens, and heal injuries. This response is produced by substances such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, or enzymes such as phospholipase A2, or arachidonic acid. However, certain diseases may disrupt this process, causing an over-secretion of the substances or hormones, leading to chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and various other health problems. Corticosteroids help to reduce pro-inflammatory substances or inhibit these enzymes. Moreover, high doses of corticosteroids can reduce the production of B and T cells, which are important for the immune response.

Steroids offer several benefits over other mediations, some of which include:

  • For organ and life-saving situations, including progression of kidney inflammation, which eliminates the need for Kidney Dialysis or Transplantation

  • Low doses provide significant relief from discomfort or pain, especially for individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, compared to higher doses, which is useful in severe flare-ups of arthritis

  • Provides permanent cure, particularly in localised injury for inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions

Our specialists will prescribe or recommend steroids if they determine it is necessary to address your condition. Existing co-morbidities, such as high blood pressure, glaucoma, diabetes, or infections, may cause complications if steroids are taken. Therefore, it is necessary to inform our specialist if you have any past conditions, including HIV or AIDS, herpes simplex, or tuberculosis. Our specialists will thoroughly assess your medical history and condition to recommend which type of steroid is most feasible for your condition.

Some severe adverse events of steroid medications are mostly seen in patients who take them for more than sixty days and those who use them at higher doses. Some complications that arise when using steroid medication include:

  • Osteoporosis and its related fractures, mainly due to the reduction of osteoblasts

  • Suppression of hormones produced by adrenal glands, caused by external administration of corticosteroids

  • Development of features par with Cushing’s syndrome, such as weight gain or puffy face

  • Manifestation of diabetes and hyperglycemia

  • Myopathy

  • Cataracts or glaucoma.  

  • Psychiatric disorders, such as insomnia, agitation, psychosis, hypomania, anxiety, and mood liability

  • Immunosuppression, which can make patients prone to invasive fungal or viral infections

  • Gastrointestinal and dermatological adverse effects, such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, skin atrophy, and impairment of cutaneous wound healing

  • Growth suppression

You can help minimise or cope with side effects when using steroid medications, some of which include:

  • Taking your steroid tablets in the morning along with breakfast to prevent any indigestion or sleeping difficulties

  • Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet 

  • Performing regular exercise

  • Avoid close contact with individuals infected with shingles or chicken pox and ensure your vaccine is up-to-date. However, refrain from live-attenuated vaccines.

  • Discussing with your specialists on using supplements or other medicines along with steroids to alleviate any drug interventions 

Our specialists will practice caution, especially in cases where steroids are prescribed at higher doses. Moreover, patients will be closely monitored for severe side effects and will reduce the dosage once their disease is under control.

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