The hydrocortisone is injected directly into the painful joint. This is called an intra-articular injection. The joints most often injected are the shoulder, elbow, knee, hand, wrist or hip.
The injections usually help relieve pain and swelling, and make movement easier. The benefits can last for several months.
Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (or corticosteroid). Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.