OverviewCortisone 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. Show
The injections usually contain a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic. Often, you can receive one at your doctor's office. Because of potential side effects, the number of shots you can get in a year generally is limited. Why it's doneCortisone shots might be most effective in treating inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be part of treatment for other conditions, including:
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Limits on the number of cortisone shotsThere's concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage the cartilage within a joint. So doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots into a joint. 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. How you prepareIf you take blood thinners, you might need to stop taking them for several days before your cortisone shot to reduce bleeding or bruising risk. Some dietary supplements also have a blood-thinning effect. Ask your doctor what medications and supplements you should avoid before your cortisone shot. Tell your doctor if you've had a temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or greater in the previous two weeks. What you can expectDuring the cortisone shotYour doctor might ask you to change into a gown. You'll then be positioned so that your doctor can easily insert the needle. The area around the injection site is cleaned. Your doctor might also apply an anesthetic spray to numb the area where the needle will be inserted. In some cases, your doctor might use ultrasound or a type of X-ray called fluoroscopy to watch the needle's progress inside your body — so as to place it in the right spot. You'll likely feel some pressure when the needle is inserted. Let your doctor know if you have a lot of discomfort. The medication is then released into the injection site. Typically, cortisone shots include a corticosteroid medication to relieve pain and inflammation over time and an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief. After the cortisone shotSome people have redness and a feeling of warmth of the chest and face after a cortisone shot. If you have diabetes, a cortisone shot might temporarily increase your blood sugar levels. After your cortisone shot, your doctor might ask that you:
ResultsResults of cortisone shots typically depend on the reason for the treatment. Cortisone shots commonly cause a temporary flare in pain and inflammation for up to 48 hours after the injection. After that, your pain and inflammation of the affected joint should decrease, and can last up to several months. Can I get a cortisone shot without a referral?The great news is that if you are booking an appointment with Complete Injections then the answer to this question is 'No'. Complete Injections are able to directly accept patients who wish to book themselves in for steroid injection without the need for a referral.
Why do doctors not like to give cortisone shots?There's concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage the cartilage within a joint. So doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots into a joint. 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.
How can I get a cortisone shot?Doctors give cortisone shots during an office visit directly into the area or joint involved, or sometimes just into a large muscle to get it into the bloodstream. In other parts of the body, the injection often includes a local anesthetic (pain reliever) to start easing pain immediately.
When should I ask for a cortisone shot?Physicians typically recommend cortisone injections when inflammation causes joint pain, swelling, and warmth. Painful joint inflammation is associated with several conditions, including but not limited to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and tendonitis.
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Can I request a cortisone shot?
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