Cortisone Shots Procedure
Overview
Doctors commonly use cortisone shots to control pain and reduce swelling in joints and other body areas. These injections often combine a corticosteroid, which acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, with a local anesthetic for faster relief. Doctors most often treat the knee, shoulder, wrist, spine, and smaller joints in the hands or feet with these shots.
Key Points About Cortisone Shots:
- Mainly used for pain and swelling in joints.
- Made with a corticosteroid and a local numbing agent.
- Mimic hormone cortisol made by the adrenal gland.
- Doctors give them in medical offices.
- Use is limited during a year to lower side effects.
Reasons for Use
Doctors often use cortisone shots to lower inflammation and help ease pain in conditions like arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and back pain. These injections can also relieve osteoarthritis, hip joint problems, trigger finger, and rheumatoid arthritis. By targeting swelling in the joints and tissues, cortisone shots can improve movement and comfort.
Possible Complications
Restrictions on the Frequency of Steroid Injections
Doctors usually set limits on how many cortisone injections a person can get in a single joint within a year. This is because getting many shots can increase the chances of joint cartilage damage.
The number may vary with each patient, depending on the joint, medical condition, and other health risks. Possible problems with frequent shots include:
- Weakening or rupture of tendons
- Thinning of nearby bone (osteoporosis)
- Skin thinning or color changes
People with diabetes may notice a short-term rise in blood sugar after a cortisone shot. Other side effects can include local pain, swelling, increased irritation (cortisone flare), a rare chance of joint infection, nerve injury, or allergic responses. Cortisone can also lower the immune systemโs ability to fight infection.
Getting Ready for the Procedure
Before getting a cortisone shot, discuss all current medicines with the healthcare provider. Some drugs, such as blood thinners or certain supplements, might need to be stopped for a few days to help lower bleeding risks.
Mention any recent fever over 100.4ยฐF (38ยฐC) to your healthcare provider. The treatment plan may also include details about any oral corticosteroids you are taking.
What You Can Expect
While Receiving the Steroid Injection
The care team may ask patients to wear a gown and position them to provide easy access to the affected area. The team cleans the skin near the spot where the corticosteroid injection will be given.
To provide comfort, they may use a numbing spray or cream before inserting the needle. Some providers guide the needle using ultrasound or special X-ray technology to ensure the steroid shot reaches the correct location.
Patients might feel mild pressure as the needle goes in, but should always tell their provider if the sensation is more than mild. The shot usually includes a corticosteroid for long-term relief and an anesthetic to help relieve pain right away.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Clean the area | Sterilize the skin at the injection site. |
| Numbing applied | Local numbing spray or cream for comfort. |
| Imaging | Sometimes ultrasound or X-ray is used. |
| Injection | Needle inserted, medicine delivered. |
What Happens Once the Injection Is Finished
Some people might notice their face or chest feels flushed or warm for a short time. Those with diabetes could see a temporary rise in blood sugar.
Care After a Corticosteroid Shot
- Protect the Area: Limit activities that put stress on the joint for a day or two.
- Use Cold Packs: Place ice on the injection site if it feels sore; avoid heat sources like heating pads.
- Avoid Soaking: Do not use bathtubs, hot tubs, or whirlpools for 48 hours. Showers are fine.
- Look for problems: Watch for redness, swelling, or pain that lasts more than two days, which may be a sign of infection.
If symptoms after the cortisone injection cause concern, it is recommended to reach out to a healthcare provider for advice.
Outcomes
After receiving cortisone shots, patients often experience a brief increase in discomfort, swelling, or irritation for up to two days. After this period, most patients notice a reduction in pain and inflammation, which may last for several months.
| Treatment | Short-Term Effects | Duration of Pain Relief | Role with Other Therapies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisone Injection | Flare-up for 1-2 days | Up to several months | Supports physical therapy & conservative care |
These injections help some people delay or avoid knee replacement and complement physical therapy and other conservative treatments.
