Sometimes you have a severe pain in your knee, shoulder, or back, accompanied by swelling, right? At times like these, when the pain doesn't go away even after taking medicine, your doctor may have told you about a 'steroid' injection. Many people get scared when they hear the word 'steroids'. "Oh, doctor, that's not good for the body, right?" they ask. What exactly is this cortisone shot? Is it harmful to the body? Let's talk about the answers to all the questions you have about this in simple terms.
First of all, what is cortisone?
Simply put, a cortisone shot is a special medication that is given to reduce pain and inflammation. Sometimes doctors also call it a 'steroid injection.' Both names refer to the same treatment.
These are synthetic drugs that are very similar to the hormone cortisol, which is produced by our adrenal glands. We call these corticosteroids . The main function of these drugs is to temporarily control the immune system's response to inflammation and pain in a specific area of the body.
Imagine that your shoulder hurts so much that you can't lift it, or your knee is swollen and it's hard to walk. These are the types of joint problems that this injection is often given for.
- Shoulders
- Spine
- Hands
- Hip bones
- Knees
- Soles
In addition to these joints, this treatment is also used for swelling of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs between tendons and bones that act as cushions.
What diseases can be cured by this injection?
Your doctor may recommend this treatment for any condition where pain and swelling are the main symptoms. Let's take a look at some of the most common conditions.
| Condition | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Arthritis | Various diseases that cause joint swelling and pain. |
| Tendinitis | Swelling of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. |
| Bursitis | Swelling of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) near the joints. |
| Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Numbness and pain in the hand due to compression of a nerve that runs through the wrist. |
| Tennis Elbow | Pain and swelling in the tendons around the elbow. |
| Trigger Finger | A painful condition in which a finger becomes stuck when bent and releases a clicking sound. |
What happens when the injection is given? Does it hurt?
This is usually done at the same time you see your doctor. Sometimes, a separate day may be given. The doctor will find the exact spot for the injection, insert the needle, and inject the medicine.
Sometimes, especially if the injection is being given into a deep joint, the doctor may use an ultrasound to help guide the needle exactly where it should go. This can increase the success of the treatment.
A question that many people are afraid of is "Will this hurt?" . You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle is inserted into the skin. But it is not unbearable. Often, the doctor will inject a small amount of local anesthetic into the area before giving the injection. So you will not feel much pain. If you are afraid of injections, tell your doctor. He or she will help you relax.
What are the benefits and side effects?
Like any treatment, this one can have benefits and minor side effects.
Main advantages
The biggest benefit of this is that it reduces pain and swelling, allowing you to resume your daily activities. Sometimes, a single injection can provide significant relief.
Possible side effects
These are often temporary and not serious.
| Side Effect | Important points |
|---|---|
| Pain where the injection was given | There may be some mild pain or swelling for the first 24-48 hours. This is also called a 'cortisone flare'. |
| Temporary increase in blood sugar levels | If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar levels more carefully for about 5 days after the injection. Talk to your doctor about this. |
| Skin discoloration | The skin may become pale or discolored where the injection was given. This is usually not harmful. |
| A slight bruise | The injection needle may cause a slight bruise. |
Serious side effects are rare , but they are important to be aware of. These include infection at the injection site and high blood pressure (hypertension). People who get these shots too often, over a long period of time, may be at risk of developing osteoporosis. That's why doctors don't give them often.
Things to know before getting the injection
Who should not get this injection?
If you have an infection in your body, it is not advisable to take this injection. This medicine temporarily reduces the function of the immune system, which may reduce the ability to fight infection.
Also, if you are taking anticoagulants or have a blood clotting disorder (such as hemophilia), you should definitely tell your doctor.
How long does it take to feel better?
This varies from person to person. Sometimes the pain and swelling may not go away immediately. It may take a few days or a week for the medicine to work. If there is no improvement after 10 days, talk to your doctor again.
How often can I take this?
You may be able to get relief with just one injection. But if you have a chronic condition like arthritis, you may need more injections in the future. Doctors usually don't give injections to the same joint more often than once every 3 months. It's best not to get more than 3-4 injections a year.
Are these 'steroids' the same as those used by athletes?
This is a very important question. No! Not at all!
Corticosteroids , a type of medication that doctors prescribe for pain and swelling, are completely different from anabolic steroids, which athletes secretly use to build muscle.
Anabolic steroids are drugs made from the male hormone testosterone, which can have very harmful and dangerous side effects on the body. However, the cortisone that doctors prescribe is a safe, therapeutic drug. So don't be afraid to mix the two.
Take-Home Message
- Cortisone injections are a very effective and safe treatment for pain and swelling when administered by a doctor.
- These are not the dangerous anabolic steroids used by athletes, so don't be unnecessarily afraid of them.
- Side effects are usually minor, but if you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar levels for a few days.
- If you have an infection or are taking blood-thinning medication, be sure to let your doctor know.
- If the pain gets worse after the injection, if you develop a fever, or if the swelling increases, see your doctor immediately.
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