Cortisone Injection

Being injected with cortisone is simple and doctor to get the needle to the precise doesn’t take long. Your doctor may ask region. A small bandage will then be applied you questions about your health before the over the injection site. You’ll then be ready to injection. Certain medical conditions, such go home. as diabetes, can be affected by cortisone. Cortisone is a type of steroid. It can greatly The Next Day or Two reduce inflammation in a joint,bursa, or Some patients feel more pain after being tendon. Cortisone (or a synthetic steroid) injected. This is normal, and it will go away is unlike the steroids some athletes take. soon. Rest for the first day or two. You don’t It won’t make you gain weight or get bigger need to stay in bed. But, avoid tasks that will muscles. Since it’s injected into an inflamed strain the injured region. After being injected, region and is not taken as a pill, little of it goes make sure you don’t injure the treated region. beyond that region. With oral steroids, side But stay active! Enjoy a walk or some other effects can occur throughout the body. But mild activity. Just be careful not to strain the with a steroid injection for local inflammation, region that gave you trouble. you’re not likely to have those side effects. Risks and Complications Injecting cortisone gets directly into the Being injected with cortisone has certain risks inflamed region quickly. Your doctor may and possible complications. These include: suggest an injection if resting, wearing a splint, or taking oral medication doesn’t relieve your • Briefly increased pain orf one or two days pain. Injecting cortisone is less complex than • Changes in blood sugar levels. having surgery. And cortisone often provides Occasionally, elevated blood sugar levels the lasting pain relief that can help you get and increased insulin requirements may out and enjoy life again. occur in diabetics • A rare risk of infection in the area injected What does the Injection Treat? • Swelling and fluid retention in patients Injecting cortisone can relieve pain for anything with heart failure from sports injuries to arthritis. You may have an injection for treating inflammation, a • Ruptured tendon (tissue that connects sprain, or other problems. Steroid injections muscle to bone). This rare complication will relieve your pain if the primary problem is more likely if the steroid is injected is swelling, irritations, or inflammation. around or into certain tendons Depending on the underlying cause of your Total complication rates are generally low. problem, the steroid injection may provide The risk of steroid injections is small relief for a varying amount of time. compared with more complex treatments such as surgery. Getting the Injection Your doctor may start by cleaning the injection site. It may take a moment for your

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