What are the side effects of Cortisone injection? Is it worth it? 

What is cortisone? 

• Cortisone, is a steroid which can be administered via an injection into the pain site or a pill for severe allergies or weaken immune systems. 

• It works by blocking inflammatory cells from gathering at the pain/injury site. 

• Oftentimes cortisone will have a same day effect and is often why athletes will use it to get back in the game. A recent survey showed 30% of professional athletes will have at least 1 use of cortisone in their professional career. 

Who is cortisone most often for?

• Over 9 million people in the US each year receive a cortisone injection at least once. 

• Cortisone is used primarily for musculoskeletal conditions such as: arthritis, tendonitis, disc flare-ups and bursitis. 

• Both chronic and acute pain (less than a month), is more commonly used for acute pain. 

What are the possible risks?

• Pain at the injection site

• Tendon damage

• (Osteonecrosis) Death of bone

• Increased risk of osteoporosis 

• Joint Stiffness

• Mood Changes

• Nerve Damage

Why use cortisone then?

• Cortisone can be a useful treatment when you might be in such severe pain that you cannot withstand other forms of manual treatments. (ART, Graston, Manipulation). 

• However it is important to remember that cortisone will not fix your problem and is only a temporary pain reducer. 

• It is best to find a medical professional to help solve your condition at the root source to avoid prolonged and recurring cortisone injections to minimize your chances of an adverse reaction.

Motta, F., Timilsina, S., Gershwin, M. E., & Selmi, C. (2022). Steroid-induced osteonecrosis. Journal of translational autoimmunity, 5, 100168. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtauto.2022.100168

Wei, A. S., Callaci, J. J., Juknelis, D., Marra, G., Tonino, P., Freedman, K. B., & Wezeman, F. H. (2006). The effect of corticosteroid on collagen expression in injured rotator cuff tendon. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 88(6), 1331–1338. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.E.00806  

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