Question: What is a Cortisone Shot?
Answer: What is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a steroid made by the adrenal gland. It is released by the body to counteract stress.
Cortisone used is a cortisone shot is a synthetic version that closely resembles natural cortisone but is more potent and lasts longer.
What is a Cortisone Shot?
A cortisone shot is an injection of synthetic cortisone into an inflamed area of the body. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is used to treat a number of syndromes with inflammation as a cause or side effect. Some syndromes are:
What Should I Know About Cortisone Shots
- Cortisone shots do not treat pain, only inflammation.
- Cortisone shots can be painful. Large needles may be necessary to deliver the cortisone to the target area.
- Cortisone can crystallize and cause pain worse than before the shot. This is called "cortisone flare" and is often brief.
- Cortisone can cause a lightening of the skin.
- Cortisone can damage the tissues where it is injected.
- Most physicians usually limit you to three cortisone shots.
