Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain. Too often, the first line of defense for any type of joint pain is cortisone injections. They are common, with several million Americans getting cortisone shots each year. And those who suffer from chronic conditions often get multiple shots annually, continuing for years. While cortisone injections can provide immediate pain relief, they may delay the normal repair process — or worse, cause more joint damage. Luckily, solutions such as regenerative medicine and chiropractic care can help heal damage in the long run, instead of temporarily masking it. Learn more about cortisone, its harmful side effects, and alternatives to living pain-free without the use of risky cortisone shots.
What is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a potent synthetic steroid hormone. Corticosteroid injections, also known as cortisone shots, are commonly used to treat arthritis and tendinitis. They’re used on affected joints for those looking for pain relief, reduced inflammation and swelling.
Sounds wonderful, right? Wrong.
Cortisone isn’t as beneficial as many patients think, especially if used long-term. Consider these statistics, all from the National Institute of Health.
- Corticosteroid use and duration of use are both associated with severe outcomes for current and past users, including the fact that Cortisone users are more likely to go on work disability and need a total joint replacement.
- While corticosteroid injections were beneficial in the short term, the effect was reversed at intermediate and long-term intervals.
- Corticosteroids have a time- and dose-dependent effect on cartilage, with beneficial effects occurring at low doses and durations and detrimental effects at high doses and durations.
6 Unsettling Risks of Cortisone Overuse
While cortisone injectons can provide temporary relief, the shots could be doing long-term damage. Types of risks associated with overuse of cortisone include:
- Bone Density Loss: Prolonged use of cortisone can lead to osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened bones prone to fractures due to its adverse effect on calcium absorption and bone formation.
- Suppressed Immunity: Cortisone suppresses the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections and delaying wound healing. This can be particularly concerning for individuals with compromised immune systems.
- Weight Gain and Fluid Retention: Cortisone can cause weight gain, especially in the abdominal region, and fluid retention, leading to swelling and bloating. These effects may contribute to hypertension and exacerbate existing cardiovascular conditions.
- Psychological Effects: Some individuals may experience mood swings, anxiety, or depression as a result of cortisone treatment. Long-term use may also increase the risk of developing psychiatric disorders.
- Adrenal Suppression: Prolonged use of cortisone can suppress the body’s natural production of cortisol, leading to adrenal insufficiency. Abrupt discontinuation of cortisone therapy can result in an adrenal crisis, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and low blood pressure, which can be life-threatening.
- Increased Blood Sugar Levels: Cleveland Clinic has noted that cortisone overuse can cause increased blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Watch this video from Dr. Marciello and Dr. Gallagher to learn more about cortisone’s harmful side effects and alternative pain treatments.
Alternatives to Cortisone
There are several treatment options that don’t come with long-term risks like cortisone. Treatments like regenerative medicine work to heal damage in the long run, rather than just masking it. Popular alternatives to cortisone include:
- Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine focuses on restoring damaged tissue and helping the body heal itself. Two common injections include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Wharton’s Jelly growth factors, both of which stimulate the growth of new cells and restore damaged tissue.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy addresses the root causes of pain and will provide long-term benefits with fewer risks. It also allows for a customized treatment plan, so as you progress, adjustments can be made to ensure the therapy remains effective.
- Chiropractic Care: Another non-invasive option is chiropractic adjustments. Like cortisone, it can reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but without the risky side effects.
- Dietary Changes: There are many changes you can make to your diet to help reduce inflammation in your body, including eliminating grains, sugar, and alcohol.
Heal Damaged and Diseased Joints
Don’t sign up for the never-ending cycle of cortisone shots. Instead of masking the problem with short-term solutions (that can lead to long-term damage) let Maragal Medical show you a better way. Together, we’ll create a customized treatment plan that can combine regenerative medicine, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and dietary changes to help your body heal damaged joints. Book an appointment online or call our office at 978-537-0555.