Article Text
Articles
Intra-articular and periarticular injection of corticosteroids
Abstract
Carefully controlled observations have shown that intra-articular injections of hydrocortisone acetate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis relieve pain, improve mobility and slow down reaccumulation of fluid.1 The viscosity of joint fluid, which is abnormally low in disease, is increased, and this may help to improve function. The relief of symptoms is non-specific and temporary. Though the subject has recently been discussed in Prescribers’ Journal,2 it seems worth considering in more detail.