What is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a hormone released by the adrenal gland in response to stress and is a potent anti-inflammatory agent.
What is a Cortisone Injection?
A cortisone injection is a synthetically produced cortisone that is more potent and longer acting than natural cortisone and is used for diagnosis as well as treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinopathy, bursitis and arthritis.
Indications for Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections are recommended for injuries that cause pain and inflammation, and those that do not require surgical treatment.
Cortisone Injection Procedure
The cortisone injection procedure involves injecting artificial preparations containing cortisone directly into the affected joint to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Cortisone injections produce a significant reduction in pain and inflammation in a majority of cases. The duration and degree of the beneficial effect can vary from patient to patient. It takes about 2 to 3 days for the cortisone injection to produce any effect. The effects of cortisone injections may last for several weeks.
Risks and Complications of Cortisone Injections
Cortisone injections offer significant relief in pain and inflammation; however, they may be associated with certain adverse effects. The most common side effect is a cortisone flare, a condition where cortisone crystallizes and causes severe pain for a brief period that lasts for a day or two. A cortisone flare can be minimized by applying ice to the injected area. Other adverse effects include whitening of the skin and infection at the injection site, or a transient elevation in blood sugar if you are diabetic.