The Benefits of a Cortisone Shot

In many instances of shoulder bursitis, arthritis, tennis elbow, or carpal tunnel syndrome, cortisone shots are often a prescribed medication. But what is cortisone and how does it work?

Cortisone is injected into a particular area of inflammation to help reduce swelling, which can help reduce pain. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks.

Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by the adrenal gland, released when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting. Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced but is closely related to your body’s own product. Synthetic cortisone is designed to act more potently and for a longer period of time (days rather than minutes).

Inflammation is an underlying problem of bursitis, arthritis, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome, making them all amenable to cortisone shots. The shot can be slightly painful, especially when given into a joint, but in skilled hands it usually is well tolerated.

Cortisone injections are a viable option for conservative treatment of numerous injuries or joint pain.