When It's Time to Consider Cortisone Injections

Pain, stiffness, and inflammation can disrupt your life and prevent you from enjoying the activities you love. Whether it's a nagging joint pain or a debilitating inflammatory condition, finding effective relief is paramount. Here at Regenerative Spine and Pain Institute in Plainsboro Township and Manalapan, New Jersey, Dr. Ronak Patel and our team can help. We offer cortisone injections as a viable solution to consider.

Cortisone, also known as corticosteroid or steroid, is a potent anti-inflammatory medication. When administered through an injection directly into the affected area, it can provide rapid and targeted relief from pain and inflammation. But when is it time to consider cortisone injections as a treatment option? Here are some key scenarios where they may be beneficial:

When to consider cortisone injections

We provide cortisone injections to treat many issues, including:

Persistent joint pain

If you're experiencing persistent joint pain, especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, or shoulders, cortisone injections can help. Conditions like osteoarthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis often respond well to these injections. They can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain, allowing you to regain mobility.

Inflammatory conditions

Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory disorders like gout can cause severe joint inflammation. Cortisone injections can provide significant relief, making daily activities less painful and improving your overall quality of life.

Allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions often manifest with widespread inflammation. Cortisone injections can rapidly reduce this inflammation and save lives in cases of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction).

Chronic back pain

For those dealing with chronic back pain due to conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis, cortisone injections can offer a respite from the persistent discomfort. By reducing inflammation around the affected nerves, cortisone can lead to pain relief and improved mobility.

Tendon or ligament injuries

Acute injuries to tendons or ligaments, like tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis, can be treated effectively with cortisone injections. These injections help reduce inflammation, promoting faster healing and pain relief.

Preoperative preparation

In some cases, we may recommend cortisone injections before surgery to reduce inflammation and pain, facilitating the procedure and improving postoperative outcomes.

What you should know about cortisone injections

While cortisone injections can be incredibly effective in managing a wide range of conditions, it's essential to consider a few things before deciding to proceed.

First, cortisone injections only offer temporary relief, so their effects are often short-lived, typically wearing off after a few months. It should be noted that they aren’t a long-term solution for chronic conditions. 

Like any medication, cortisone injections come with potential side effects, including local discomfort, changes in skin pigmentation, and rare complications like infection. However, Dr. Patel discusses the risks to help determine if this treatment is right for you.

The frequency of cortisone injections should also be carefully monitored, as excessive use can lead to adverse effects. 

In addition, Dr. Patel may recommend physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to complement your cortisone treatment.

Ultimately, the decision to utilize cortisone injections should be made in consultation with Dr. Patel, who can assess your unique condition, overall health, and potential risks to ensure a tailored and effective treatment plan.

Next steps

Cortisone injections can provide significant relief for various painful and inflammatory conditions, but they should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. The goal is to give you the best outcome possible and potentially reduce the need for repeated injections. 

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel to find out if cortisone injections are right for you, call our friendly team or book an appointment online today.