I get questions all the time from my patients asking me about cortisone shots. Usually, it's because they've been to their family doctor, and that's what they've been recommended. What are cortisone (corticosteroid) injections? How do they help with your condition(s)? Would you benefit from them? Do they really work? Read more to find out!
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can offer fast-acting relief of inflamed muscles, joints, tendons, and bursae. Cortisone injections are administered for a variety of inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and many more. Some people think that a cortisone shot is the "magic pill" that they're looking for to cure their condition; however, it's important to note that corticosteroids are not pain relievers. They reduce inflammation. If they do help relieve pain, it's because they have reduced the inflammation that was causing the pain in the first place. This means that if your pain is caused by something else other than inflammation, cortisone shots will not help!
Now, I've heard mixed opinions about cortisone shots: some people have found long-lasting relief for years; others found only temporary relief; some even experienced no changes whatsoever. I think a lot of it depends on what your underlying condition is and what your signs and symptoms are caused by. Some doctors offer these shots like candy without a proper diagnosis, and that could explain why these injections fail. In my opinion, I think that there's a place and time for everything. I don't want to deny the benefits of cortisone shots for some people, but I don't believe that it should be the first option. I always recommend people to try conservative therapy first (physio, chiro, massage, acupuncture, etc.), and if that fails, then reconsider.
At the end of the day, corticosteroids are medications, and all medications have side effects. These injections can be quite painful, and there's a possibility of increased pain afterwards due to an aggravation of inflammation in the local area. Steroids also have a tendency to weaken tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, making them more prone to ruptures and tears. Therefore, the number of cortisone injections that one may receive per joint or body part is limited. Other complications may include infection, thinning of the skin and bones, easy bruising, weight gain, puffiness of the face, and many more.
However, like I previously said, I'm not totally against injections and surgery... I just think that there's a place and time for it. If you've tried conservative therapy with no success or find that your progress has plateaued, then by all means, it might be exactly what you need. Cortisone shots are sometimes actually used in conjunction with physiotherapy to treat underlying pathology. For example, a person may be so acutely inflamed that he or she may not be able to tolerate conservative therapy. Corticosteroids would then be beneficial to rapidly reduce local inflammation in order to allow for proper treatment to occur. Just remember though: it will not fix your problem. The cortisone merely decreases the signs of inflammation (swelling, redness, warmth, etc.) so that your therapist can do whatever he or she needs to do without causing too much pain or discomfort.
Are you thinking of getting a cortisone shot for your condition? Are you still unsure? Don't hesitate to seek help from a professional to help you make your decision!
