If crystals are found, proper medication may be prescribed. If an infection is found, the specific bacteria that are causing it can identified and the most effective antibiotic can be prescribed. In addition, aspiration sometimes can relieve the pain of a badly swollen joint. Corticosteroids are a group of drugs related to hydrocortisone, a natural hormone produced in the body. They are NOT the same as the steroids some athletes take.
Corticosteroids are very helpful in reducing inflammation.
Three of the most common biopsies include skin, muscle, and kidney biopsies. After using a local anesthetic, a tiny piece of skin is removed. Muscle biopsies are similar to skin biopsies, except the surgeon must go deeper into tissue. Muscle biopsies are used to look for signs of damage to the muscle fibers. This information can help confirm the diagnosis of polymyositis or vasculitis.