Orthopedic Medications [2]

Orthopedic doctors sometimes prescribe corticosteroid medications for the treatment of certain diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. All corticosteroids are identical to or similar to hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. They are steroids. These medications decrease inflammation, provide energy, and aid the body in tissue repair. However, there are several risks and side effects associated with the use of corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids

The most commonly prescribed corticosteroid medications are cortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, and methylprednisolone. Corticosteroids can be given orally or put directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous needle. They can also be injected directly into inflamed tissues. Corticosteroid cream can be rubbed on the skin. Corticosteroid medications should only be prescribed by a medical professional, and the patient should be monitored carefully.

Corticosteroids are powerful drugs. They may drastically decrease inflammation, but they are also highly toxic. Orthopedic doctors have different opinions about how corticosteroids should be used. Corticosteroids can't cure any disease. However, they do reduce inflammation and affect the development of certain diseases.

Risks & Side Effects of Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids can have many unwanted effects on your body. Whether or not you develop these complications depends on many factors: what type of corticosteroid you take, your dose, the length of time you are on it, and how sensitive your body is to these hormones. The most common side effects are listed below.

Osteoporosis

All corticosteroids slow bone growth and create conditions that may lead to osteoporosis, a disease process that results in reduction of bone mass. Compression fractures of the vertebrae can happen with long-term corticosteroid use. Men and women over the age of sixty are most likely to develop osteoporosis. Your doctor may recommend that you take calcium and vitamin D pills, while you take corticosteroids.

Bacterial Infections

High levels of corticosteroids hinder your body's ability to fight bacterial infections. High-dose corticosteroids can even mask the symptoms of some types of infections, such as abscesses and bowel tears. Most viral infections are not a problem, except for herpes.

Adrenal Insufficiency

This means that your pituitary and adrenal glands can't produce enough of certain kinds of hormones. This can happen after taking corticosteroids in moderate doses for only a few days. Adrenal insufficiency is most likely to happen as you are reducing the dosage. It can be a problem if you need surgery or if you get an infection or serious injury.

Withdrawal from Corticosteroids

When you stop taking corticosteroids, the doses will be slowly reduced over a period of days or weeks. Even if you have only been taking steroids for a few weeks, you will still need to taper off. Corticosteroid withdrawal can be very difficult for your body.

After corticosteroid medication is stopped or reduced, the disease symptoms may become worse. Some people experience a sickness that includes fevers, nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, and low blood sugar. Others have withdrawal symptoms that include muscle and joint pain, weight loss, fever, and headaches. Symptoms of withdrawal do not always occur. If you have problems coming off corticosteroids, your doctor will have you taper off the drug more slowly.

Different people, and different diseases, react very differently to corticosteroids. This class of orthopedic medication should be carefully monitored. You and your doctor will need to find a dose that controls your symptoms and minimizes unwanted side effects.