Cortisone Shot Specialist

What is a cortisone shot?

Cortisone shots are a type of injection used to manage pain or inflammation affecting one or more areas of the body. Usually, they’re used to address joint pain in the elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, spine, or wrists. 

Cortisone shots contain a combination of corticosteroids and pain medication. There’s a risk of potential side-effects, so you can only receive a certain number of cortisone shots each year. 

Why would I need a cortisone shot?

The team at Athens Spine Center usually prescribes cortisone shots to treat inflammatory arthritis. They’re also used to ease pain caused by conditions such as:

• Back pain
• Bursitis
• Gout
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

You might also benefit from a cortisone shot if you suffer a sport or work-related injury that causes one or more tendons to become inflamed––a condition known as tendinitis. 

Are cortisone shots safe?

Cortisone shots are safe and well-tolerated. However, larger doses and repeated use may increase your risk of health problems, including:

• Cartilage damage
• Nerve damage
• Joint infection
• Tendon weakening or rupture
• Thinning of nearby bone

To lower your risk of these and other potential complications, your Athens Spine Center provider develops a custom care plan that aligns with your personal health history and goals for treatment. 

How do I prepare for a cortisone shot?

Before you receive a cortisone shot, your Athens Spine Center provider conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. 

If you take prescription blood thinners or dietary supplements that have a blood-thinning effect, your provider might ask you to stop taking them several days before your injection. Doing so significantly lowers your risk of bleeding or bruising. 

During your initial consultation, you should also tell your doctor if you’ve had a fever of 100.4 F or higher in the past two weeks. This won’t necessarily disqualify you from receiving a cortisone shot, but it may increase your risk of complications.

What happens during a cortisone shot appointment?

Before receiving a cortisone shot, you change into a hospital gown. Next, you lie down on an exam table, and your provider cleans the injection site. They also numb the area with a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable. After the anesthesia sets in, your doctor inserts the needle and uses an X-ray or ultrasound to guide them. 

Your doctor pinpoints the source of discomfort and releases the medication into the injection site. During your appointment, you may feel pressure or discomfort. If the pain becomes too much, don’t hesitate to speak up. 

Following your cortisone shot, you return home for a day or two to rest and recover. 

To request your cortisone shot appointment at Athens Spine Center, call the office today.