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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. Even the small joints in your hands and feet may benefit from cortisone shots.
Cortisone shots usually include a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic. In many cases, cortisone shots can be administered in your doctor's office. However, the number of cortisone shots you can receive in one year may be limited because of potential side effects from the medication.
References
- Intraarticular and soft tissue injections: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Wise CM. Arthrocentesis and injection of joints and soft tissue. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/217997889-3/1050729258/1807/345.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Schumacher HR, et al. Joint injection/aspiration. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/jointinjection.asp. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Roberts WN, et al. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Complications. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Baker RM. Epidural steroid injections. North American Spine Society. http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/InjectionTreatments/ES_Injections.aspx. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- DiMicco R. Lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint injections. North American Spine Association. http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/InjectionTreatments/LZJ_Injections.aspx. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
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