Corticosteroids are prescribed for a variety of conditions, including:

• Back pain. Back pain, from conditions such as herniated discs, is sometimes treated with corticosteroids. This is especially true during the acute phase. The medication is usually injected. Recent research indicates that a radionuclide imaging test called a SPECT scan (single-photon image computed tomography) can help identify which back patients will benefit from corticosteroid injections and which will not.

• Joint pain. Injections into a joint, such as for tennis elbow, an arthritis-afflicted knee or TMJ disorder, can reduce acute and chronic pain and restore function.
  
  
• Tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon) and bursitis (inflammation of a bursa). These conditions, in areas such as elbows and shoulders, are sometimes treated with injections of corticosteroids.
  
  
• Temporal arteritis. An inflammation of large arteries, most often the temporal arteries of the head. The standard treatment is corticosteroids.
  
  
• Carpal tunnel syndrome. Condition caused by an inflammation of the wrist that puts pressure on a nerve, causing pain. Corticosteroids are capable of providing pain relief by reducing inflammation and pressure in the wrist.
  

  

• Eye disorders. Ophthalmic corticosteroids (which come in the form of ointments or drops) are used to treat eye problems and reduce swelling, itching and discomfort. Many forms of juvenile arthritis include eye inflammations that may be treated with corticosteroid drops.
  
  
• Ear disorders. Otic corticosteroids (which come in the form of drops) are used to treat ear problems.
  
  
• Skin disorders. Topical creams containing corticosteroids are used to treat a variety of skin problems, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema). This is a skin condition usually characterized by itching and a red, raised rash.
  
  
• Headaches. Corticosteroids are sometimes used as headache medications.
  
  
• Rectal disorders. Rectal corticosteroids (which come in the form of enemas, foams or suppositories) are used to treat rectal problems, such as inflammatory bowel conditions (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). They can also be used to help relieve swelling, itching and discomfort from other rectal problems, such as hemorrhoids.
  
  
• Cancer pain. Some types of cancerous growths cause swelling and pain. Corticosteroids are able to relieve swelling and reduce the amount of pain associated with this condition.
  
  
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Corticosteroids are able to treat inflammation and control many of this autoimmune condition’s moderate to severe symptoms. However, a common complication of SLE is osteoporosis, a condition of concern with corticosteroids.
  
  
• Other autoimmune diseases.
  
  
• Allergies (e.g., hay fever, allergic sinusitis). Exaggerated or inappropriate reaction of the immune system to any substance that, in most people, causes no symptoms. Applying corticosteroids directly to the mucous membranes (using inhalers or nasal sprays) can reduce or prevent inflammation due to allergen contact.
  
  
• Asthma. Condition in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Corticosteroids are used to reduce or prevent inflammation of the bronchial tubes. They may also help treat chronic cough caused by asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other conditions.
  
  
• Cystic fibrosis. Genetic disease characterized by respiratory problems due to poor salt absorption. Corticosteroids are used to treat the inflamed tissues in the respiratory tract often associated with cystic fibrosis.
  
  
• Other lung disorders. Use of corticosteroids has been controversial with chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a common cause of chest pain. However, several recent studies have found that use of inhaled corticsteroids can reduce mortality in people with COPD.
  
  
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). Chronic neurological disease of the central nervous system. Corticosteroids reduce MS attacks by reducing spinal cord and brain inflammation.
  
  
• Nephrotic syndrome. Kidney disorder involving low levels of protein in the blood. Corticosteroids help restore normal function to the kidneys by reducing inflammation.

In addition, recent research suggests that injections of corticosteroids in people with rheumatoid arthritis may, in addition to easing their joint pain, reduce their increased risk of lymphoma (lymphatic cancer). Further study would be needed to establish such a connection.