What is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid that works by reducing inflammation around tissue and can reduce soft tissue swelling. This reduces pain, and sometimes the effects can be very dramatic if the injections are carried out effectively.
How are cortisone injections done?
The secret to success with cortisone injections is to administer them as accurately as possible to the site of injury or inflammation. This is where the diagnostic skills of the Orthopaedic Physician come into their own. Once the diagnosis has been made, a low dose of cortisone, usually combined with local anaesthetic is introduced. Sometimes, a local anaesthetic injection is given first for maximum patient comfort.
Dr Allfree is an Orthopaedic Physician, and he has had extensive experience in the administration of cortisone injections for mechanical musculoskeletal problems.
Is there a limit to the number of injections that you can have?
In any particular place in the body, there is a natural limit of three injections in a six week period. Further injections are allowed in other places and at other times, especially if they are effective.
What complications may occur?
What conditions can cortisone injections be used for?