Precautions while taking Cortisone Injections

Many times pain overrules our emotions and forces us to take actions, the impact of which we do not understand fully.

After taking cortisone shots, a decent percentage of patients find pain relief. Not only it helps relieve pain but it also reduces inflammation in the specific area of the body.

What’s wrong about it?

After taking the shot we often think the shot will fix the damage whereas such thinking can worsen the situation. The injection helps in a way but it doesn't fix the underlying cause of the pain. It's like taking a Tylenol which masks the pain for certain period of time.

How’s the situation worsened?

After taking the shot, we start acting like normal whereas the injection has only masked the pain for the time being. We tend to go back to our normal lifestyle forgetting that the underlying cause of the pain still exists. Due to this negligence we end up aggravating the inflammation and cause more damage.

Why take the injection then?

Taking an injection is an opportunity to fix the underlying cause of the pain. How?

Let's understand the basics first. While we are in pain we should not do the exercises as it will further aggravate the inflammation and possibly cause more damage. While both of these elements; pain and inflammation are suppressed though temporarily, it gives us an opportunity to perform exercises in accordance to the type and severity of the pain or ailment. Exercises help maintain adequate blood flow bringing more nutrition to the muscles & joints enhancing the healing process. Also, exercises help strengthening the muscles which in turn help support the bone structure in proper position and help in joints mobility.

Piece of advice?

Shall you have any physical pain of any sort, first try to observe and identify the cause of the pain, if you can. Lot of time enough relaxation helps and fixes minor issue naturally. Shall you feel the pain is not going away even after couple of days of sufficient rest, do not ignore and see your primary care doctor and/or your physical therapist. The minor issues at this early stage can be treated in as quick as one to two sessions. Based on the condition and your pain tolerance, try to keep the injection alternative for the last. Next, shall you choose the injection alternative, be cautious and vigilant and follow the suggestions as expressed in this article.

There are many side effects of Cortisone shots like any other medication. If taken and administered in accordance, it could make a big difference in the healing process. Refer http://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/cortisone for some common side effects and other precautions that you may want to account during its usage.

Stay Healthy and fit!

1 Response

  1. Thanks for the valuable information !

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