The Risks and Benefits of Cortisone Shots for Sports Injuries
Introduction
Sports injuries can be painful and can keep athletes from playing their sports for an extended period. In such cases, cortisone shots can prove to be very helpful. This treatment is used to treat inflammation, reduce pain, and swelling. However, like every other medical treatment, it comes with some risks. In this article, we will discuss the risks and benefits of cortisone shots for sports injuries.
What is a Cortisone Shot?
A cortisone shot is a type of injection containing corticosteroids, which are synthetic drugs that mimic the effects of the hormone cortisol. Cortisone shots are commonly used to treat inflammation that’s causing pain or swelling in a specific area of the body, such as a joint or an injured muscle.
How do Cortisone Shots Work?
Cortisone shots work by reducing inflammation in the body. When you get injured, your body reacts by causing inflammation, which can cause pain and swelling. Corticosteroids like cortisone work by suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, which in turn reduces pain and swelling.
Benefits of Cortisone Shots
The benefits of cortisone shots for sports injuries are many. Some of these benefits include:
- Immediate pain relief: Cortisone shots can provide immediate relief from pain and inflammation caused by sports injuries.
- Reduced swelling: Cortisone shots can help reduce swelling caused by injuries, which can help speed up the healing process.
- Improved mobility: By reducing pain and swelling, cortisone shots can help improve joint mobility, making it easier for athletes to get back on the field or court.
Risks of Cortisone Shots
While cortisone shots are generally considered safe, they do come with some risks. Some of these risks include:
- Infection: There is a small risk of infection associated with any injection.
- Bone and cartilage damage: Frequent cortisone shots can damage the bone and cartilage in the area where the shot was given.
- Tendon weakening: Cortisone shots can weaken tendons, making them more prone to injury.
- Temporary flare-up of pain: In some cases, cortisone shots may cause a temporary flare-up of pain before the medication takes effect.
When are Cortisone Shots Recommended?
Cortisone shots are not always recommended for sports injuries. In most cases, they are recommended when other treatments, such as physical therapy or medication, have failed to provide relief. Cortisone shots may be recommended for injuries such as:
- Tennis elbow
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Arthritis
How are Cortisone Shots Administered?
Cortisone shots are typically administered in a doctor’s office or clinic. The area to be injected is cleaned and numbed using a local anesthetic. The cortisone shot is then administered using a needle and syringe.
FAQs
Q. How long does a cortisone shot take to work?
A. The effects of a cortisone shot can be felt almost immediately, although it may take up to a week for the full effects to be felt.
Q. Are cortisone shots painful?
A. The injection itself is not usually painful, but there may be some discomfort and soreness in the area for a few days after the injection.
Q. Are there any side effects of cortisone shots?
A. Some common side effects of cortisone shots include soreness at the site of injection, and temporary flare-up of pain. Rare side effects include infection, nerve damage, and bone or cartilage damage.
Q. How many cortisone injections can a person have?
A. Generally, a person should not receive more than three cortisone injections in the same area within a year.
Q. Can cortisone shots be used for long-term pain relief?
A. Cortisone shots are not recommended for long-term pain relief, as they can cause damage to the body.
Conclusion
Cortisone shots can be extremely helpful in treating sports injuries, especially when other treatments have failed. However, they do come with some risks, and they are not recommended for long-term pain relief. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of cortisone shots with your doctor before deciding on treatment.
