steroid4.jpg

Cortisone shots are injections that can help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. They're most commonly injected into joints, such as your ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine or wrist.

Even the small joints in your hands or feet might benefit from cortisone shots.

Risks

  • Cartilage damage

  • Death of nearby bone

  • Joint infection

  • Nerve damage

  • Temporary facial flushing

  • Temporary flare of pain and inflammation in the joint

  • Temporary increase in blood sugar

  • Tendon weakening or rupture

  • Thinning of nearby bone (osteoporosis)

  • Thinning of skin and soft tissue around the injection site

  • Whitening or lightening of the skin around the injection site

steroid.jpg
steroid1.jpg
steroids3.jpg
steroids5.jpg

In general, you shouldn't get cortisone injections more often than every six weeks and usually not more than three or four times a year.

After the cortisone shot

  • Protect the injection area for a day or two. For instance, if you received a cortisone shot in your shoulder, avoid heavy lifting. If you received a cortisone shot in your knee, stay off your feet when you can.

  • Apply ice to the injection site as needed to relieve pain. Don't use heating pads.

  • Not use a bathtub, hot tub or whirlpool for two days. It's OK to shower.

  • Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness and swelling that last more than 48 hours.