Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release Combined with Corticosteroid Injection for the Treatment of Supinator Syndrome
Published on: May 26, 2023
Physician prescribing patterns of oral corticosteroids for musculoskeletal injuries
Kimberly G Harmon1, Chris Hawley
1Department of Family Medicine, Hall Health Sports Medicine Clinic, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
Background:
There is considerable controversy as to when and if oral corticosteroids are indicated for musculoskeletal injury. Although the perception is that sports medicine physicians prescribe oral corticosteroids frequently, there is no documentation of this behavior in the literature. The purpose of this study was to obtain a description of the corticosteroid-prescribing patterns of primary care sports medicine physicians and look for common indications.
Methods:
A two-page questionnaire was included in the registration packets of 195 physicians at a national sports medicine conference.
Results:
Ninety-nine questionnaires were returned. Fifty-eight (58.6%) of the physicians reported prescribing oral corticosteroids for musculoskeletal injuries. Physicians who prescribed corticosteroids for injuries averaged 6.6 prescriptions per month. Prednisone was the corticosteroid prescribed by 82% of physicians. The average prescription length was 7 days. One half of the physicians (51.7%) tapered the dose. The most common starting dose (mode) was 60 mg.
Conclusions:
Despite little evidence to support their use, primary care sports medicine physicians commonly prescribe corticosteroids.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Glucocorticoids
Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...