Cortisone Injection

Are you suffering from pain and swelling in your tendons, muscles, bursa or joints? You might be seeking a treatment option that can alleviate the pain quickly without an invasive procedure. If so, a cortisone injection may be one of the options you are considering.

What is a cortisone injection? A cortisone injection, often referred to as a steroid injection, is a shot of medicine used to target a specific part of the body to reduce inflammation and pain. This intervention can offer fast-acting relief to muscles, joints or tendons. The side effects of this type of treatment a generally mild however, it is beneficial to weight the risk to benefit ratio before deciding if this is the best option for you.

Benefits of a Cortisone Injection

• Intervention provides fast-acting results ranging from a few hours to a few days for noticeable relief.
• Patients often report experiencing minimal discomfort.
• Often covered by insurance
• Can be administered in your orthopaedic surgeon’s office

Risks/Side Effects

• Pain around the injection site
• Bruising around the injection site
• Temporary facial flushing
• Nerve damage
• Joint infection
• Temporary elevated blood pressure

Consultation

So how do you determine if getting a cortisone injection is the best treatment option for you? Consulting with an orthopaedic surgeon about your treatment options is the best way to make a decision. Prior to your consultation, prepare a list of questions to help gather the best information. Some helpful questions may include:

• What is your success rate with an injection for my particular injury/orthopaedic issue?
• How much downtime should I expect after receiving the injection?
• Is there anything I need to do in preparation for this procedure?
• Will this procedure be covered by my health insurance?
• How long can I expected to wait for the injection to begin working?
• What is the duration for the results to last?
• Are there any particular side effects I could expect knowing my medical history?