When to Consider Cortisone Shots for Pain

Cortisone shots are an effective treatment option for people with persistent pain in the hips, shoulders, knees, and other joints. If you haven’t had a cortisone injection before but aren’t finding pain relief with oral medications, our experts at AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness can help.

Our board-certified pain management specialists offer cortisone injections and other minimally invasive therapies to manage a range of chronic joint pain conditions, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

We also provide expert care for athletes at all levels who have joint pain or mobility issues due to tennis elbow and other overuse injuries.

An overview of cortisone injection therapy

Cortisone is a corticosteroid, a class of medications that reduce inflammation in a targeted area of the body. Synthetic corticosteroids are similar to the cortisone and cortisol hormones your body makes to fight inflammation naturally.

The medicine treats inflammation by suppressing your immune system response to prevent the production of inflammatory cells and chemicals. This temporarily eases inflammation-related symptoms like stiffness, swelling, and pain.

Cortisone is often administered by injection directly into a joint or other inflamed area of the body. Oral and topical cortisone are also available to treat different inflammatory conditions.

When you might be a candidate for cortisone shots

Cortisone shots may not be your initial treatment for inflamed joints but may be an option if oral anti-inflammatories aren’t working well to relieve symptoms.

AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness uses cortisone injections to treat inflammation and pain that stems from:

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Tendonitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

The providers also offer cortisone injection therapy for people with chronic lower back pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal column). Additionally, those with certain autoimmune disorders, including lupus, may benefit from cortisone therapy.

Cortisone isn’t a cure for tendonitis, arthritis, or other causes of chronic pain. However, the medication can offer significant symptom relief so you can participate in physical therapy and other activities that help your body heal.

What to expect from cortisone injection therapy and beyond

If you’re scheduled to have your first cortisone shot, you might feel some anxiety about what to expect. Our pain management specialists prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the visit and talk you through the process.

The first step is to clean the injection site with an antiseptic to prevent infection. We can also apply a topical numbing agent to minimize pain before injecting cortisone and a local anesthetic into inflamed tissues or joints.

Our team may occasionally use fluoroscopy, an imaging technology that assists in guiding the needle to a precise location within a joint. This technology enables your provider to access internal joint structures and administer medications with a high degree of accuracy, enhancing treatment outcomes.

The injected anesthetic takes effect immediately to relieve pain, but it may take a few days for the cortisone to reduce inflammation. Depending on the condition being treated, cortisone shots can last for several weeks or months before additional injections are necessary.

Call AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness in Garden City or Brooklyn, New York, today to find out if you’re a candidate for cortisone shots or book an appointment online.