Superficial corticosteroid injections are highly effective for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis and de Quervain tenosynovitis. However, skin hypopigmentation and atrophy are not uncommon side effects in these areas. To prevent these adverse effects, try tenting the skin up around the needle with your other hand after you have penetrated the skin. Also, avoid injecting any remaining corticosteroid in the syringe as you withdraw the needle at the end of the procedure.
| Nathan Hitzeman, MD Sacramento, Calif |
