CORTISONE INJECTION

If you need a cortisone injection, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Cortisone Injection?

Doctors commonly administer cortisone injections, also called corticosteroid injections, to relieve pain and inflammation in different body parts. Additionally, this procedure entails directly injecting a corticosteroid medication into the affected area, to diminish inflammation and offer pain relief.

Synthetic drugs known as corticosteroids imitate the effects of the body’s natural hormones, also called corticosteroids. These natural hormones possess strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. By injecting cortisone directly into a specific site of inflammation it aids in suppressing the body’s immune response. This diminishes inflammation and results in pain relief and enhanced function.

Conditions Treated with Cortisone Injections:

Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat a wide range of inflammatory conditions, including:

Joint Inflammation: Doctors frequently employ cortisone injections to manage pain and inflammation related to conditions. Some of which include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Tendonitis: Healthcare providers may use cortisone injections to diminish inflammation and relieve pain in conditions like tennis elbow and rotator cuff tendonitis. This involves the inflammation of tendons.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints characterizes bursitis. Cortisone injections prove effective in reducing pain and inflammation associated with bursitis.
Nerve Inflammation: Doctors can administer cortisone injections around nerves to treat conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
Allergic Reactions: Healthcare providers may utilize cortisone injections in specific instances to manage severe allergic reactions and skin conditions such as contact dermatitis.
Chondromalacia Patella: Also known as runner’s knee, is a relatively common condition, particularly among young adults and athletes.

The Cortisone Injection Procedure

Healthcare providers usually perform the cortisone injection procedure in their office or an outpatient setting. The following steps comprise of:

Preparation:Healthcare providers clean and sterilize the affected area to minimize the risk of infection.
Anesthesia: Physicians use local anesthesia to numb the injection site and minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Injection: Physicians inject the cortisone medication directly into the affected area using a syringe and a fine needle.
Post-Injection Care: After the injection, patients are usually advised to rest the affected area for a short time and avoid any strenuous activities.

Benefits and Potential Side Effects

Cortisone injections offer the primary advantage of swiftly and precisely relieving pain and inflammation. However, it’s crucial to recognize that they do not cure the underlying condition, and their effects usually only last for a limited time.

Potential side effects of cortisone injections may include temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site. Moreover, a transient increase in pain before the cortisone takes effect, and, rarely, infection or allergic reactions. Repeated or excessive use of cortisone injections can lead to tissue damage or weaken structures like tendons, so healthcare providers usually limit the number of injections given in a specific area over time.

As with any medical procedure, cortisone injections should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. They can properly assess the patient’s condition and determine if the injection is appropriate for the specific condition.

Cortisone Injection Recovery

Recovery from a cortisone injection involves understanding the expected effects and potential side effects. After the injection, patients may experience temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. It’s important to rest the injected area and avoid strenuous activities for a short period as advised by the healthcare provider.

Patients may notice improvement in symptoms within a few days to a week as the cortisone begins to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. It’s essential to follow any specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider, such as applying ice to the injection site or taking over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Monitoring for any unusual symptoms or reactions, such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, is crucial. Most patients can resume normal activities gradually, based on their individual response and healthcare provider’s guidance, to ensure optimal recovery and effectiveness of the cortisone injection.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.