What Is Cortisone?

Thank you for your repyly. Since I mentioned that I'm in treatment for scoliosis I will ask this doctor of mine that if he thinks it's okay that I use it.

Thank You,
Melissa

Hello Melissa,

Cortisone is a steroid that prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation.

Cortisone injections may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of the body. The injections are most commonly given in joints, such as your ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine and wrist. Even the small joints in your hands and feet may benefit from cortisone shots.

Cortisone shots usually include a cortisone and a local anesthetic.
Since you are allergic to lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic, be certain that your physician is not using a cortisone shot that includes lidocaine.

There's some concern that repeated use of cortisone shots may cause deterioration of the cartilage within a joint. For this reason, doctors typically limit the number of cortisone shots in a joint. The limit varies depending on the joint and the reason for treatment. In general, people with osteoarthritis or other noninflammatory conditions may be limited to four total cortisone shots per joint.

The decision to take the cortisone shot is totally yours. But, you need to consider the severity of the pain, how it impacts your ability to function on a daily basis, and the risks.

I hope this information is helpful to you when discussing this particular treatment option with your doctor.

Maryann