The Pros and Cons of Cortisone Injections for Pain Relief

You’re seeking relief from musculoskeletal pain. Maybe it’s a knee that’s getting arthritic. You may play sports and have chronic tendonitis, or you’re a warehouse worker who’s hurt your back.

Whatever your musculoskeletal pain, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Shults, with Coastal Empire Orthopedics, will investigate it and promptly develop a treatment plan that will bring you back to good health.

When your pain is severe, Dr. Shults may administer a cortisone shot, depending on your overall health. Cortisone shots help many people, but they’re contraindicated if you have certain health conditions. Following are the pros and cons of cortisone injections.

The “pros” of cortisone injections

Cortisone injections have important benefits. There are several reasons why they’re a standard treatment for musculoskeletal pain relief.

A cortisone injection lowers inflammation and reduces pain

If your arthritic joint is painful, swollen, and warm to the touch, it’s inflamed. Your immune system releases inflammatory chemicals that disturb nerves and deliver pain signals to your brain. The inflammatory substances also bring fluid to the area, making it swell.

Cortisone is a steroid that reduces inflammation at the site of your pain. It brings relief to many patients. Depending on your condition's severity and response, a cortisone injection can bring temporary or long-term pain relief.

Cortisone shots may delay or prevent surgery

If you need surgery, there's usually a wait time, which could be months. A cortisone shot may provide pain relief in the interim. Sometimes, cortisone injections offer long-term relief and work well enough to prevent surgery.

Cortisone injections treat several musculoskeletal conditions

Cortisone injections are versatile. They treat arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and other inflammatory conditions such as lupus. They’re used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cortisone is a form of a naturally occurring substance in your body

Cortisone is a medical form of cortisol, a naturally occurring hormone in the body. It has many important functions, including regulating metabolism, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

Cortisone has few side effects

Dr. Shults reviews your medical history and any substances you may be allergic to. If you're a good candidate for a cortisone injection, it will benefit you without side effects. You'll feel pain for a few moments when you're having the injection, and you may feel some discomfort for a day or two, but after that brief period, you'll see the benefits.

The “cons” of cortisone injections

As with any medical procedure, your doctor assesses whether a cortisone shot is appropriate for you.

Not everyone is a good candidate for a cortisone injection

Dr. Shults reviews your history of allergies. If you're allergic to a substance in the injection, you're not a candidate for it. Likewise, if you're diabetic and have a hard time keeping your blood sugar under control, you may not be eligible for a cortisone injection because it temporarily raises your blood sugar levels.

Too many cortisone injections can damage your soft tissue

Too many cortisone injections can damage your soft tissue. They can weaken your tendons and, if overused, can result in tendon rupture. Too much cortisone can also damage cartilage in an affected joint. Dr. Shults lets you know if a cortisone shot is appropriate for your pain or whether other treatments would be more beneficial.