Steroid Shots for Joint Pain Can Cause More Harm Than Good
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Should You Consider Alpha-Stim Before Steroid Injections for Joint Pain?
Painful joints are a chronic issue for many people, with roughly 30 million Americans affected by osteoarthritis. Joint pain can make it difficult for you to move around as well as you used to, or to go about your usual daily activities, so it makes sense to seek relief from the pain.
Can Steroid Shots for Joint Pain Cause More Harm Than Good?
Doctors will sometimes offer corticosteroid shots to osteoarthritis patients who are suffering from chronic pain in their knees and hips. These injections were previously thought to pose no risk to patients.
However, a 2019 study found that 8% of patients who received steroid injections suffered from complications, including the breakdown of cartilage or even bone loss or fractures.
A HealthLine article further explains the risks of steroid injections: the shots “may eventually cause joints to collapse, which requires joint replacement surgery to treat. Some patients developed rapidly progressive osteoarthritis. This happens when an arthritis-affected joint deteriorates more quickly than usual. Some were diagnosed with a type of stress fracture known as a subchondral insufficiency fracture. Some were diagnosed with complications from osteonecrosis, which happens when bone tissue dies.”
In short, although steroid injections may offer temporary relief from pain in the hips and knees, they ultimately may cause more damage than osteoarthritis itself. What once seemed to be a risk-free option for patients with chronic pain should now be weighed against its potential harm.
Consider a Less Invasive Option Before Injections for Joint Pain
Chronic joint pain can interfere with your daily life; but steroid injections may not be the best path to relief. Or at least, a person should consider a less invasive option first.
Fortunately, there is a safer first-step option for treating chronic pain. Alpha-Stim M is an FDA-cleared medical device proven to treat acute, post-traumatic, and chronic pain safely and effectively. It is non-invasive and easy to use, with treatments lasting just minutes.
The Science Behind Treating Pain with Alpha-Stim
Alpha-Stim M delivers Microcurrent Electrical Therapy (MET) through two handheld Smart Probes, which allow you to treat your pain precisely where it hurts. Relief is long-lasting and often immediate. And since Alpha-Stim is not a drug, there is no risk of overuse, addiction, lasting side effects, or withdrawal.
Results with Alpha-Stim are cumulative over time – so the more you use it, the less you’ll need to. It is safe to use in conjunction with other treatment modalities, but many people find that they can decrease or discontinue their other pain management methods (always check with your doctor first!) Alpha-Stim is backed by more than 100 clinical research studies over decades of experience. And while the science speaks for itself, patient testimonials flood in as well.
*FDA-cleared for anxiety, insomnia, and pain only, with approval for depression outside of the United States.
Get pain relief with Alpha-stim
Schedule a telehealth visit with a health care professional today to get started with Alpha-Stim M for acute, chronic, and post-traumatic pain relief.
