How Cortisone Injections Work
The goal of a cortisone injection is to improve pain and inflammation. Cortisone does not treat the underlying condition; it only treats the symptoms.
Cortisone injections are used to treat many joint problems, including bursitis, tendonitis, trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, knee arthritis, and many types of overuse injuries.
Cortisone is a type of steroid hormone that works by decreasing inflammation. Inflammation is the body's normal response to an injury, infection, or disease as a means to heal itself.
However, when a condition is persistent and the inflammation is chronic, the symptoms of inflammation—including pain and swelling can become intolerable.
By decreasing inflammation in a joint space with cortisone, pain and swelling can be reduced and joint mobility can be improved. Shots given into a joint space are referred to as intra-articular injections.
Effectiveness of Cortisone Shots
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Cortisone shots are effective for treating pain; they provide immediate relief that can last for months. This doesn't mean, however, that the underlying condition has also improved.
With knee osteoarthritis, for example, the damage to the joint is ongoing and doesn't stop simply because you feel no pain. In fact, because you feel good, you may place undue stress on the joint and add to the existing damage.
For pain and inflammation from an injury, a cortisone injection may help you feel more comfortable while your body heals, but the effects are temporary. This is why they are better suited for treating injury rather than long-term conditions.
Side Effects
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Cortisone shots can have serious side effects, and the risk of side effects increases when you get cortisone injections regularly.
How Many Cortisone Shots Can You Have?
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There is no hard-and-fast rule about the number of cortisone shots a person can receive in a lifetime. But generally speaking, healthcare providers do not like giving
repeated cortisone shots to the same joint - such as the knee or the back - again and again.
There are exceptions to the rule. For example, if someone with severe knee arthritis is advised to delay knee replacement surgery, additional shots may be reasonable. This is because knee replacements are typically delayed for as long as possible to ensure they last for the duration of the person's life.
On the other hand, if multiple shots are needed because the pain relief is inadequate, giving additional shots will not likely be of any real benefit. If anything, the shots may cause more harm (in terms of damage to cartilage and bone) than good. Other treatments may be far more effective.
Because of these and other concerns, you should listen to your healthcare provider if they suggest there are better options for you than cortisone. The treatments may not provide immediate relief, but they can possibly preserve the function of your joint more effectively.
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