Cortisone Takes a Shot at Pain Relief

That friendly football game over the weekend wasn’t so friendly to your right shoulder, which is now sending you painful messages. Or maybe it’s arthritis that’s causing some soreness.

A shot of cortisone, injected directly into the inflamed area, might be the ticket to relief. Your doctor may suggest it if other treatment doesn’t work.

Just what is cortisone? It’s a type of steroid, but don’t worry--it’s unlike the steroids some athletes take. It won’t make you gain weight or look like a weightlifter. It’s a synthetic steroid that can greatly reduce inflammation.

Because it’s injected into the injured region and not taken orally, little of it goes beyond that area. With oral steroids, side effects can take place throughout the body. With a cortisone shot, those side effects aren’t likely. It’s a procedure that doesn’t take long. Before prescribing such treatment, your doctor may ask you about any health conditions that can be affected by cortisone, such as diabetes.

It’s not unusual for some people to feel more pain immediately after the cortisone shot. Avoid any strenuous activities after getting the shot. It may be helpful, however, to engage in some relatively easy activities, such as walking. Avoid straining the injured area.

Injection of cortisone is a simple procedure, but there are some risks and complications. They include:

* Briefly increased pain.

* Changes in blood sugar levels.

* Ruptured tendon (or the tissue that connects muscle to bone), but this is rare.

Source: StayWell Co.