Cortisone Injections - Sports Injury Treatment

What is cortisone?

Cortisone is a steroid which is released by the adrenal gland in the body.

What are cortisone injections used for?

Cortisone injections are used in many sports to reduce inflammation following an injury; a reduction in swelling can also help to decrease pain in the affected area.

Injuries treated with cortisone injections

The range of injuries and conditions treated with cortisone injections is vast; the most common examples are arthritis, tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The injection

The cortisone injection may cause mild pain when it first makes contact with the skin and may be more painful if it is inserted into a joint. It will usually start to work within 48 hours and can last for several weeks. It is possible to have more than one dose; however, if little improvement has been made it may not be worthwhile having another injection.

Possible side-effects

The most common side-effect occurs when the steroid crystallises and causes pain; this is known as a cortisone flare; it usually wears off fairly quickly. Other side-effects include infection and blood sugar abnormalities in people with diabetes; these can be serious and should be treated quickly.

Sports Injury Treatment Guide Index:

Find a Sports Injury Clinic


- OR -

Latest Articles