Mayo Clinic Health Manager
Get free personalized health guidance for you and your family.
Get Started
close window
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffCortisone shots are injections that may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. Cortisone shots are most commonly given in joints, such as your ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine and wrist, as well as the small joints in the hands and feet. Joint injections are commonly referred to as cortisone shots, but what medication or combination of medications is injected varies. Cortisone shots typically include a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic. Cortisone shots are typically given in a doctor's office. The results you can expect from cortisone shots depend on the reason for your treatment.
Why it's done
References
- Joint injection/aspiration. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheet/jointinjection.asp?aud=pat. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
- Wise C. Arthrocentesis and injections of joints and soft tissues. In: Harris ED, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/105473152-4/0/1257/0.html. Accessed Sept. 23, 2008.
- Roberts WN. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Technique and indications. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Roberts WN. Intraarticular and soft tissue injection: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Roberts WN, et al. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Complications. http://www.uptodate.com. Accessed Sept. 24, 2008.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 13, 2008.
