At Foot First Podiatry, cortisone injections are recommended for treating many causes of foot pain and injuries. These cortisone injections are commonly used as a first line treatment option because of its quick onset of the medication's action, high dependability, and minimal side effects. They can also provide relief of localized inflammation that is much more rapid and powerful than traditional anti-inflammatory medications given by mouth such as Aspirin, Tylenol, or Motrin. Cortisone injections can avoid certain side effects, notably irritation of the stomach that can accompany many oral anti-inflammatory medications.
For over 26 years, the doctors at Foot First Podiatry have successfully been using cortisone as a part of their treatment plan. Cortisone injections can be administered easily in the office. The Doctors at Foot First Podiatry inject this medication to treat many foot problems including pain, swelling, arthritic conditions and scar tissue.
While cortisone injections have proven to be an excellent treatment option for our patients, some patients were hesitant about being treated with cortisone. This is a normal feeling due to the many myths associated with "cortisone injections". It is always easier to find possible negative effects about the injections rather than the benefits and success stories of people. Let the doctors at Foot First Podiatry help educate you and straighten out some of your concerns pertaining to cortisone injections.
Cortisone belongs to the group of steroids called corticosteroids and is a NATURAL steroid produced by the adrenal gland inside your body.
Researchers have learned to make the same corticosteroid synthetically that your body produces normally. This "synthetic" cortisone can then be used as an anti-inflammatory medication.
Please note it is NOT an anabolic steroid (drugs used by athletes to boost strength and enhance physical performance). The medication we inject is NOT illegal and is NOT a "banned drug" in any sport played.
Some of the myths associated with cortisone injections do have some truth, but when given correctly this treatment option could prove to be an excellent way to experience relief from your pain.
Myth: Steroid injections are not safe.
Truth: Steroid injections are safe when administered properly. At Foot First Podiatry, cortisone injections are administered at a very low dose that poses side effects in less than 1% of patients. Steroid injections do not enter the bloodstream; they only affect the area of inflammation.
Myth: Cortisone injections are extremely painful.
Truth: At Foot First Podiatry we use small needles to administer the injection, reducing the pain to very little. Also, due to our small doses, the shots are very quick.
Myth: I've heard that you can only have 3 cortisone injections.
Truth: First there is no limit as to the number of cortisone injections a person can have. However, if a person has not responded favorably to a series of 3 to 4 cortisone injections, we will discuss a different type of treatment plan.
Myth: Cortisone can cause my bones to become brittle.
Truth: Due to the small dose of cortisone injected, there is not enough medicine to cause damage to bones.
While the inflammation for which corticosteroids are given can recur, corticosteroid injections can provide months to years of relief when used properly. These injections also can cure diseases (permanently resolve them) when the problem is tissue inflammation localized to a small area, such as bursitis and tendonitis. Cortisone is not a pain reliever, but an anti-inflammatory medication. Relief felt is due to the reduction of inflammation in the area affected; the pain is not being masked but eliminated.
Cortisone injections should be considered as a viable treatment option for your foot pain. Please call for an appointment so we can help take care of your feet today.