" Steroids, (short for corticosteroids), are very commonly used to treat inflammation in the body. Steroids are prescribed for a variety of illnesses including asthma, acute illnesses such as strep throat and for joint problems including arthritis. In general, steroids decrease the body’s immune responses which in turn, work to decrease inflammation. Steroids can be taken by mouth, injected into a muscle, or injected directly into a joint, depending on the diagnosis from a physician ...