Corticosteroids for axial spondyloarthritis
Oral corticosteroids have a limited role in the management of axial spondyloarthritis.
Intra-articular corticosteroid injections may be used for peripheral arthritis if a small number of accessible joints are involved. Radiologically guided corticosteroid injections into sacroiliac joints may be beneficial for sacroiliitis. Peritendinous corticosteroid injections may be beneficial for enthesitis. They should be used with caution in enthesitis involving major weightbearing tendons such as the Achilles tendons; consider seeking specialist advice and avoid multiple injections. For principles of use and example doses of local corticosteroid injections, see Principles of using local corticosteroid injections for musculoskeletal pain.
Intravenous methylprednisolone is used rarely by specialists for people with severe systemic disease.