Cortisone (Steroid) Injections: Their Uses, Benefit,s Risk,s and Alternatives

Cortisone injections are a common treatment option for many people dealing with pain and inflammation. If you have ever experienced joint pain, tendonitis, or arthritis, you might have heard about or even received a cortisone shot. But what exactly are these injections? How do they work, and what conditions can they help treat? This article will explore these questions and also discuss the risks of repeated injections and some alternatives you might consider.

Cortisone injection syringe with clear solution

What Are Cortisone or Steroid Injections?

Cortisone injections, often called steroid injections, contain corticosteroids, which are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a key role in reducing inflammation in the body. When injected directly into an inflamed area, cortisone can quickly reduce swelling, redness, and pain.

These injections usually combine corticosteroids with a local anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief while the steroid starts working. The injection is typically given into joints, tendons, or soft tissues where inflammation is causing discomfort.

How Do Cortisone Injections Work?

Cortisone injections work by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response. When tissues become inflamed due to injury, autoimmune conditions, or overuse, the immune system sends cells and chemicals to the area, causing swelling and pain. Cortisone blocks the production of these chemicals, reducing inflammation and allowing the tissue to heal.

The effects of a cortisone injection can begin within 24 to 48 hours, with pain relief lasting from a few weeks to several months, depending on the condition and individual response.

Conditions Treated with Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are effective for a variety of inflammatory and painful conditions, including:

• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often cause joint inflammation and pain. Cortisone injections can reduce symptoms in knees, shoulders, hips, and other joints.

• Tendonitis: Inflammation of tendons, such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, can benefit from targeted steroid injections.

• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, can be relieved with cortisone shots.

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Injections can reduce swelling around the median nerve in the wrist.

• Gout: During flare-ups, steroid injections can reduce intense joint inflammation.

• Other soft tissue inflammations: Including plantar fasciitis.

  
  

Doctors decide on injections based on the severity of symptoms, the specific diagnosis, and how well other treatments have worked.

How Many Cortisone Injections Can You Get?

While cortisone injections can provide significant relief, there are limits to how often you should receive them. Most healthcare providers recommend no more than 3 to 4 injections per joint per year. This limit helps reduce the risk of side effects and complications.

Repeated injections too close together can cause:

• Joint damage: Over time, cortisone can weaken cartilage and soft tissues, potentially worsening joint health.

• Tendon weakening or rupture: Tendons may become fragile with frequent steroid exposure.

• Skin thinning and discoloration: The skin around the injection site can become thin or develop light patches.

• Increased risk of infection: Though rare, repeated injections increase infection risk.

• Temporary flare of pain: Also known as a steroid falre, some people experience a short-term increase in pain after the injection.

  
  

Doctors carefully weigh the benefits and risks before recommending multiple injections. They often suggest combining injections with physical therapy or other treatments to improve long-term outcomes.

Alternatives to Cortisone Injections

If you want to avoid cortisone injections or are looking for additional options, several alternatives can help manage pain and inflammation:

• Pain Laser Therapy: This treatment uses low-level lasers to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in tissues. It is non-invasive and can be effective for conditions like tendonitis and arthritis.

• CBD Creams and Topicals: Cannabidiol (CBD) creams are popular for localized pain relief. They may reduce inflammation and provide soothing effects without systemic side effects.

• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and manual therapy can improve joint function and reduce pain.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help control inflammation.

• Hyaluronic Acid Injections: For joint lubrication, especially in osteoarthritis, these injections can improve mobility.

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This newer treatment uses a patient’s own blood components to promote healing.

• DPMx Injections - Newer allograft injection that is derived from human umbiclicaord that cushions and supports damaged tissue which stimilating the body's natural healing processes.

  
  

Each alternative has its own benefits and limitations. Discussing options with a healthcare provider can help you find the best approach for your situation.

Cortisone injections offer powerful relief for many painful and inflammatory conditions. They work by reducing inflammation directly at the source, often providing quick and lasting pain control. However, they are not without risks, especially when used frequently. Understanding how many injections are safe and exploring alternatives can help you make informed decisions about your care.

If you have been experiencing foot or ankle joint pain, call us at 832-743-0508 to schedule an appointment. Or visit us at www.SelectFAS.com to schedule online.