Cortisone Injections: How Are They Effective In Pain Relief?

Cortisone injections are injected into a specific body area to help relieve pain and inflammation. The corticosteroid used in these injections is usually a synthetic version of the hormone cortisol. Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and other inflammatory disorders. The injection is usually given directly into the affected joint or tendon, and the medication works by reducing inflammation and swelling in the area

Cortisone injections can be a helpful treatment option for knee pain caused by inflammatory arthritis or other inflammatory conditions. Research suggests cortisone injections can help relieve pain and inflammation in the knee joint, and the effects can last from several weeks to several months. However, cortisone injections are a temporary solution to knee pain. They do not address the underlying cause of the pain treatment plan that includes physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions to address the underlying cause of the knee pain.

Where Are They Used On The Body?

These cortisone injections can be injected into various parts of the body. Some of these parts include the following: 

• Shoulders.
• Spine.
• Hands.
• Hips.
• Knees.
• Feet.

The provider can utilize these injections to treat your tendons and the fluid-filled sacs between the joints called Bursae.

Do These Injections Cause Pain?

The physician will clean the area and provide anesthesia which will numb you. In this way, you will not feel any pain only a little pressure on the site. 

Once you get the injection, especially in your knee. The doctor will ask you not to use your knee for at least 48 hours. However, you can walk slowly. 

What Problem Areas Are Treated With Cortisone Injections? 

Some of the common illnesses treated with cortisone injections include the following: 

• Tendinitis.
• Tennis elbow.
• Trigger finger and trigger thumb.
• Tendinopathy.
• Bursitis.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Autoimmune disorders.
• Arthritis.

How Do These Cortisone Injections Work?

Doctors inject the cortisone after applying the anesthetic, the shot is given over the affected area which could include a muscle, a joint or the knee. The shot travels through the bloodstream and provides relief from pain over a period of time. 

What Are The Advantages Of Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone injections are safe to use; they are one of the most effective injections to provide quick pain relief, especially inflammation. They also safeguard your joints from the adverse effects that are caused by long-term inflammation. One damaging effect includes severe pressure on the bones in the joints. After a prolonged period, this pressure can weaken the joints. Therefore, there is no permanent cure for arthritis. However, these injections can provide some relief to make the symptoms bearable and manageable. 

What Are The Side Effects?

Some of the common side effects of cortisone injections include the following:

• Pain at the site
• Temporary swelling
• Discoloration or bruising 
• A quick rise in sugar levels 

Since it is generally safe to use, there are only a few rare side effects that include high blood pressure, infections at the site, or osteoporosis.

How Long Does The Relief Last? 

After you receive the shot, the pain and inflammation do not immediately diminish. Even though the effects can differ from person to person, pain relief can take up to one week. You must talk to your doctor if it has been over a week and there is no relief. 

How Often Can You Receive A Shot Of Cortisone?

You will require just one shot of cortisone to provide instant relief; this is often the case when recuperating from an injury. However, if you have a long-term or chronic condition, you may require more shots. Your doctor will assess and suggest when it is safe to get another shot. Most people should avoid getting more than three cortisone shots in one year. Cortisone Injection in Knee can provide both short-term and long-term relief to pain and inflammation. You can receive more than one shot if you are suffering from a chronic knee problem. 

What Is The Duration Of The Cortisone Shot?

Everyone’s body has a different response to the cortisone shot. The after-effects usually last for a few weeks and sometimes can last for several months or even a year. If you have faced an injury, the injection can provide long-term relief over several weeks as your body fully heals. If you have a chronic condition, your body will recover gradually. You must keep consulting your healthcare provider to make the most of the treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Various treatment options are available to provide short- and long-term pain relief. However, cortisone injections are highly effective in granting pain relief and reducing inflammation and have a low chance of side effects. Certain chronic medical conditions like osteoarthritis can seriously affect those suffering from it, and therefore, using these injections for relief can be life-altering for these patients.