Cortisone (Steroid) Injection
Cortisone is a naturally occurring corticosteroid hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. Corticosteroids are a class of medications that are related to natural cortisone and can help to relieve the pain and swelling from arthritis.
In rheumatology, corticosteroids may be called steroids (for short) and sometimes cortisone. Corticosteroids are very different from the risky anabolic steroids that cheating athletes and bodybuilders take to artificially boost testosterone levels and enhance athletic performance.
Examples of corticosteroids include methylprednisolone (depomedrol), triamcinolone acetonide (kenalog), triamcinolone hexacetonide (aristospan), and betamethasone (celestone).
Steroid injections can be a valuable treatment for many types of arthritic conditions including inflammatory types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, and lupus. People with osteoarthritis and conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, and tendon nodules can also benefit from steroid injections.
Taking Cortisone Injection
Important Tests and Risks
The vast majority of steroid injections go smoothly and there are no serious side effects.
Science
Safety
Video
Watch Dr. Andy Thompson, a Canadian rheumatologist, introduce Cortisone Injections in this short video: