Cortisone Injections Vaughan

Cortisone Injection In Knee

Cortisone injections are primarily used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in affected joints - be it your hip, knee, shoulder, spine, or wrist. The aim is straightforward: to help you manage discomfort and regain your ability to engage in everyday activities more comfortably.

At our multi-disciplinary clinic in Vaughan, we recommend cortisone injections when other non-invasive treatments don’t work or when patients are in too much pain to participate in other treatments or their daily lives.

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How Does Cortisone Work

Cortisone is essentially a synthetic version of a natural hormone your body produces. 

Your body has two small glands located above your kidneys called adrenal glands. These glands produce a hormone known as cortisol, particularly during times of stress. Cortisol plays several vital roles in your body, one of the most important being its ability to suppress inflammation.

When we talk about cortisone, we're referring to a man-made counterpart of cortisol. It falls under the category of corticosteroids - a group of steroid hormones produced in the adrenal glands. By mimicking the effects of natural cortisol, cortisone is effectively used in medicine to treat various conditions associated with inflammation.

It's important to distinguish corticosteroids like cortisone from anabolic steroids, which are often associated with muscle building. While both are types of steroids, they serve entirely different purposes. Corticosteroids are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory and immune system-suppressing properties, rather than for enhancing muscle growth.

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Why Choose Cortisone Injection

✓ Relieves unmanageable pain: Cortisone injection directly targets inflammation and pain in specific joints, providing relief and allowing you to continue with other treatments to address your underlying condition or injury.

✓ Supports joint functioning: Cortisone shots can offer significant relief from inflammation and pain, making daily activities more manageable and less daunting.

✓ Soothes inflammation: One of the major functions of cortisone is managing inflammation.

✓ Reduces the need for invasive procedures: For those looking to avoid surgery while coping with debilitating pain, cortisone injections can be an effective alternative. They are minimally invasive and can provide the pain relief needed to engage in long-term treatments like physical therapy, which may offer more sustainable results.

✓ Aids in diagnosis: When an injection in a specific area brings relief, it confirms that the pain originates from that location. This clarity assists doctors in providing more accurate diagnoses and developing targeted treatment plans for long-term relief.

Common Problems We Treat With Cortisone Injections

Some of the conditions that can benefit from cortisone:

• Bursitis
• Gout
• Cortisone shot for back pain
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis
• Cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis
• Golfer’s elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Cortisone shot for sciatica

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Preparing for Cortisone Injections

• Discuss which medicines and supplements should be temporarily discontinued before your cortisone shot.
• Provide a detailed history of any drug allergies, congenital conditions, and routine medications, especially if you're taking blood thinners.
• Inform if you've experienced a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher in the two weeks leading up to your appointment.

What Happens During This Procedure?

• Our experts will start by thoroughly cleaning the area around the injection site. 
• They might apply a numbing medicine where the needle will be inserted to minimize discomfort.
• In some cases, our experts may use imaging techniques like ultrasound or fluoroscopy, a type of X-ray. This helps in accurately targeting the affected area.
• When the needle is inserted, it's common to feel some pressure. It's important to communicate with your care provider if you experience significant discomfort during this step.
• The injection typically contains a mix of a corticosteroid, for long-term relief from pain, swelling, and irritation, and an anesthetic for immediate pain relief. This combination is carefully administered into the injection site.

Post-Treatment Care

• After your cortisone shot, it's crucial to give the treated area some rest. For example, avoid lifting heavy objects if your shoulder was treated, or try to stay off your feet as much as possible if the shot was in your knee.
• If you experience pain at the injection site, using ice can be beneficial. However, steer clear of heating pads during this time.
• For the first two days post-injection, refrain from using bathtubs, hot tubs, or whirlpools. Showering, however, is perfectly fine.
• Keep an eye out for any signs of infection, such as increased pain, redness, or swelling that persists for more than 48 hours. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to contact our experts.

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