Are steroids good for your knees?

Are steroid injections the answer for knee pain—or a shortcut that costs you in the long run? In this episode of The Talking Rehab Podcast, Dr. Fred Bagares unpacks the real story behind corticosteroid injections. You’ll learn why the quick relief they provide can sometimes accelerate joint breakdown, what the research actually shows about long-term effects, and how to think beyond short-term fixes.

Dr. Bagares also explores alternatives that support joint health—like PRP, vitamin D, and strength training—and shares the story of a patient who broke free from the “injection cycle” by changing his approach. If you’ve ever wondered whether steroid injections are truly helping or quietly harming, this episode will give you a clear, evidence-based perspective.

[00:00:00] The counterintuitive truth: the patients who benefit most from injections often need them the least.
[00:01:00] The quick-fix mindset: why pain relief doesn’t always equal healing.
[00:02:00] The 2017 RCT that revealed faster cartilage loss with repeated steroids.
[00:03:00] Upsides vs downsides: rapid pain relief versus long-term joint damage and systemic risks.
[00:04:00] Reframing the question: are you creating a protective or destructive joint environment?
[00:05:00] Evidence-based options that support cartilage health—PRP, vitamin D, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid.
[00:07:00] Safe adjuncts like glucosamine and collagen, plus their limits.
[00:08:00] Tom’s story: breaking the “injection cycle” through rehab, strength, and mindset shifts.
[00:09:00] Four takeaways: use interventions strategically, move consistently, treat strength as medicine, add safe supplements.
[00:10:00] The big picture: resilience, not just relief, is the goal for long-term knee health.

If you’re ready to start building a resilient joint environment instead of chasing short-term fixes, visit fredbagares.com to learn more.

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