Cortisone Injection

A cortisone injection is a targeted treatment used to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation in a specific area of the body. These injections are commonly administered into joints such as the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, or wrist, as well as around tendons. Even the small joints in the hands and feet can benefit from cortisone shots.

What Is Cortisone?

Cortisone is a medication widely used around the world to treat inflammation that is not caused by infection. It is the pharmaceutical version of cortisol, a natural hormone produced by the body. Cortisol plays many vital roles in regulating various body functions by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Functions of Cortisol in the Human Body:

• Regulates blood pressure

• Balances blood sugar levels

• Controls metabolism

• Maintains water and salt balance

• Reduces inflammation

What Is a Cortisone Injection?

A cortisone injection mimics the action of cortisol and works by suppressing the body’s immune response to reduce inflammation. In orthopedics, it is commonly used for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, where the injection is delivered directly into the joint to help relieve pain.

Reducing inflammation often leads to significant pain relief.

As a general rule, the less joint damage there is, the more effective cortisone injections tend to be. Patients with early-stage arthritis usually benefit more from cortisone shots, while those with advanced joint damage may experience limited results.

For more in-depth information about effective injection treatments like this, we recommend exploring our full category on joint pain therapies.

What Are Cortisone Injections Used For?

Cortisone injections are a powerful anti-inflammatory treatment commonly used for inflammatory joint diseases, allergic reactions, and certain chronic medical conditions.

As part of the steroid hormone class, this treatment mimics the body’s natural anti-inflammatory processes. It helps reduce inflammation rapidly, providing significant relief from pain and discomfort. However, due to the risk of side effects, cortisone injections should be used with caution and under medical supervision.

Benefits of Cortisone Injections:

• Provides fast relief in cases of joint inflammation and allergic reactions

• Quickly reduces inflammation, easing pain and swelling

• May cause side effects if used repeatedly or long-term

How Is a Cortisone Injection Performed?

The patient’s knee is positioned straight. The outer side of the knee is cleaned with antiseptic solution (such as povidone-iodine) to ensure a sterile field. The injection is then administered from the outside of the knee, just below the kneecap, directly into the joint.

In my clinical practice, I always use ultrasound guidance for all types of injections—including knee injections—to ensure maximum accuracy and safety.

How Do Cortisone Injections Work?

The primary source of pain in many joint and tendon problems is inflammation. Cortisone has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, which helps reduce pain and swelling in the area where it is injected. By calming the body’s inflammatory response, cortisone injections provide effective and localized pain relief.

What to Expect After a Cortisone Injection

To provide immediate pain relief, a local anesthetic is usually combined with the cortisone during the injection. You may feel your pain ease within just a few minutes of the procedure. This initial relief is due to the anesthetic, not the cortisone itself.

This numbing effect typically wears off within a few hours, often before the cortisone begins to take full effect. In some cases, you might experience a temporary increase in pain about a day after the injection. This is normal and not a cause for concern—it will not last long.

If needed, you can take pain relievers after the injection, based on your doctor’s recommendation.

Cortisone usually starts working within 7 to 10 days, gradually reducing inflammation and relieving pain.

Another benefit of cortisone injections is that they can help confirm the diagnosis. If you experience significant pain relief after the injection, it typically supports the accuracy of the initial diagnosis.

When Are Cortisone Injections Recommended?

Cortisone injections are used to treat a wide range of orthopedic and inflammatory conditions, especially when other non-surgical treatments are not effective.

Common Conditions Treated with Cortisone Injections:

• Joint Osteoarthritis: Cortisone shots are often used for joint pain due to osteoarthritis, especially in the knee, but also in the hip, shoulder, ankle, and smaller joints.

• Bursitis: Effective for treating subacromial, subdeltoid, and subcoracoid bursitis in the shoulder, prepatellar and pes anserinus bursitis in the knee, and trochanteric bursitis in the hip.

• Calcific Tendinitis: Particularly useful in shoulder calcific tendinitis, especially when combined with the barbotage technique.

• Nerve Compression Syndromes: Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections are beneficial for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, and Morton’s neuroma.

• Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

• Trigger Finger: Cortisone injections are often used as the first-line treatment for trigger thumb or trigger finger, especially before considering surgery.

How Often Can You Get a Cortisone Injection?

In cases of temporary inflammation, such as shoulder bursitis, a single cortisone injection may completely resolve the issue. However, for chronic conditions like knee osteoarthritis, multiple injections might be needed over time.

As a general rule, no more than three injections per year should be given to the same area, as repeated use may increase the risk of side effects or tissue damage. Treatment frequency should always be determined based on the patient’s condition and response to previous injections.

What Are the Side Effects of Cortisone Injections?

Like all medical treatments, cortisone injections come with potential side effects. These may include:

• Bruising at the injection site

• Temporary increase in pain shortly after the injection

• Skin discoloration (lightening of the skin) near the injection area

• Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients

• Temporary rise in blood pressure in patients with hypertension

Is a Cortisone Injection a Steroid?

Yes, cortisone is a type of corticosteroid, which is why it is often referred to as a steroid injection.

However, it is important to note that corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are synthetic forms of testosterone and are often misused in sports for performance enhancement. Cortisone is used for medical purposes only and does not have anabolic (muscle-building) effects.

How Long Does It Take for a Cortisone Shot to Work?

The timeline for a cortisone injection to take effect can vary depending on several factors. Cortisone is a corticosteroidthat works by suppressing inflammation in the body, thereby reducing pain and swelling. It is widely known for its effectiveness in managing inflammatory pain.

What to Expect After a Cortisone Injection:

• First Few Hours: You may feel immediate pain relief shortly after the injection. This is due to the local anestheticmixed into the injection—not the cortisone itself. This relief is temporary and typically fades within a few hours.

• Within 1–2 Days: The anti-inflammatory effects of cortisone usually begin within 24 to 48 hours. During this time, you may notice a noticeable decrease in inflammation and pain.

• Maximum Effect: Most patients experience the full effect of cortisone within 1 to 2 weeks. Significant pain reduction and improved mobility are often seen during this period.

• Duration of Relief: The pain relief from a cortisone injection can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the condition treated and the individual's response.

Tips to Help Cortisone Work More Effectively:

1. Rest the Area: Give the treated area some rest for the first few days to support the healing process.

2. Cold Compress: Applying ice to the injection site may help reduce swelling and discomfort.

3. Follow Medical Advice: Adhering to your doctor’s post-injection instructions ensures optimal recovery and results.

4. Gentle Movement and Exercise: If recommended by your physician, light exercises can improve flexibility and strength—just avoid overuse.

When used correctly and with proper guidance, cortisone injections are a highly effective tool in managing pain and inflammation. However, individual responses can vary.

To determine the most suitable treatment for your condition, we recommend discussing your options in detail with Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer. You can contact us here to schedule a consultation and build a personalized care plan.

How Long Does Cortisone Stay in Your Body?

The duration cortisone remains in your body depends on several factors, including the dose of the injection, your metabolic rate, and your overall health. While the effects of a cortisone shot may last for several weeks, the steroid itself may take longer to be fully eliminated from the body.

Key Factors That Influence Cortisone Elimination:

1. Metabolic Rate: Individuals with faster metabolisms tend to eliminate cortisone more quickly.

2. Dosage: Higher doses may remain in the body longer than lower doses.

3. Repeated Treatments: Multiple cortisone injections over time may lead to a buildup of the drug, slowing down the elimination process.

4. Individual Differences: Age, body composition, liver function, and other health conditions can affect how quickly cortisone is metabolized.

Typically, cortisone’s therapeutic effects fade after a few weeks, but complete elimination from the body may take several months. This is a gradual, natural process, and if you have any concerns about lingering effects or side effects, it's best to speak directly with your physician.

Conclusion

Cortisone injections are a powerful and effective treatment for reducing inflammation, pain, and swelling. They are widely used in the management of joint and soft tissue disorders, and when used appropriately, they can significantly improve your quality of life.

However, it’s important to understand the potential side effects and risks associated with long-term or repeated use.

🩺 For the best results, you should discuss your treatment plan in detail with Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer. Together, you can determine whether a cortisone injection is the right option for your specific condition.

While cortisone can offer pain relief and help many patients lead a more active life, every treatment decision should be based on a careful evaluation of both benefits and risks.

Thank you for reading.For more helpful content, visit our website: https://utkuerdemozer.com

📌 Explore more: Injection Therapies