A Deeper Look Into Cortisone Shots

When inflammation affects our joints, our favorite activities become less enjoyable, and our first reaction is to find ways to make the pain go away. Many patients naturally look for a speedy solution to reduce their discomfort. Cortisone injections can be an attractive option for managing pain and inflammation, as they are widely used, generally safe, and often covered by insurance. Plus, they can provide rapid relief.

To make an informed decision about treatment options, it is important to understand how cortisone works and its effectiveness in reducing pain. Although a quick shot may sound appealing, it’s necessary to take a deeper look at the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of a corticosteroid injection.

What is Cortisone?

Cortisone is a synthetic form of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and released when the body is under stress. Cortisone and cortisol have anti-inflammatory properties, working to reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune system. While it is often thought of just as a pain reliever, cortisone can have effects that go beyond pain relief and help a person recover faster.

The healing process is composed of three stages: inflammation, tissue regrowth, and tissue remodeling. Inflammation is essential in order to trigger the immune system and begin the healing process. As the inflammatory response decreases, tissue begins to regenerate, and the majority of healing takes place. Finally, the injured area is remodeled as scar tissue is replaced with healthy tissue and important blood vessels come into place.

If an individual is stuck between the first two stages of healing, the tissue may not have the chance to heal fully. This can lead to chronic pain and an increased chance of re-injury. A cortisone injection can help to reduce inflammation and push the tissue into the next stage of healing, encouraging new cell growth.

Cortisone Shots

Used as an orthopedic treatment, Cortisone is injected directly into the inflammation site. It is often confused with pain-relieving medications, but it is not actually a pain medication. The injection inhibits collagen-producing cells in the tendon or joint, thus suppressing inflammation and decreasing pain indirectly. However, cortisone does not actually heal the underlying cause of the inflammation. The effects of cortisone begin working right away, but the amount of pain relief immediately following injection varies from person to person.

What conditions are treated with cortisone?

Cortisone injections are a popular and effective way to quickly reduce pain caused by various issues, such as arthritis and tendonitis. These shots are often used for joints in the hip, knee, ankle, spine, shoulder, elbow, and wrist, as well as smaller joints in the hands and feet. They can also be used to treat other conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Back pain

The risks with cortisone treatments

Cortisone injections have a long-standing history of being safe and effective when used correctly. The relief provided by the injections is often short-term; thus, many patients will want to repeat the injections over time. However, the efficacy of cortisone injections decreases with frequent use and should be used sparingly, as repeated use can lead to further joint damage or weaken tendons permanently. Cortisone shots can have potential side effects, which become more likely and more severe with higher doses and when used repeatedly. Additional risks include:

• Osteoporosis
• Cartilage damage
• Tendon weakening or rupture
• Skin discoloration and thinning
• Increase in blood sugar
• Nerve damage
• Joint infection
• Bone death

When considering cortisone shots, understand that the results typically depend on why the treatment is being administered and that there are risks and potential side effects with its use. Cortisone may also cause a temporary flare in pain and inflammation following injection. Before deciding on this treatment, make sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure that cortisone is a safe and beneficial treatment for you. Pain relief from corticosteroid injections can last for several months, but it is advised to exhaust other treatments before considering cortisone.