Gabe Mirkin, M.D.
Doctors often inject cortisone-type medications into painful
damaged joints and tendons. Single injections can relieve pain
and swelling and appear to be safe, but many studies show that
repeated injections can damage joints and delay healing. Most
doctors will recommend having no more than three injections into the
same joint in a lifetime.
Athletes and exercisers often experience pain from
injuries to their tendons, muscles, fascia or ligaments. When an
injury heals in a few days, no treatment is indicated, but
sometimes they persist for months, particularly in the fascia on
the bottom or back of the heel, in the large tendon in the back of
the lower leg, or in the tendons on the elbows or shoulders.
Cortisone-type drugs reduce swelling and lessen pain and can
allow an athlete or exerciser to get back to sports, but cortisone
injections can weaken the tendons for several months.
If you suffer pain in tendons, muscles, ligaments or
fascia, check with your doctor to see if you have a treatable
chronic disease causing it, such as hepatitis or reactive arthritis.
Non-steroidals that are usually prescribed can help to block pain
but do not heal damaged tissue. If you receive a cortisone
injection, make sure that you protect that area from hard exercise
for at least two months.
April 2, 2006