Cortisone shots


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cortisone shots are injections that may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of your body. Cortisone shots are most commonly given into 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 generally is limited because of potential side effects from the medication.

Why it's done
References
  1. Roberts WN. Intraarticular and soft tissue injections: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 18, 2013.
  2. Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2013. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1807/0.html. Accessed April 18, 2013.
  3. Joint injection/aspiration. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/jointinjection.asp. Accessed April 18, 2013.
  4. Roberts WN, et al. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Complications. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed April 18, 2013.
  5. AskMayoExpert. Spinal injections. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2013.
  6. AskMayoExpert Steroid dosing and side effects. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2012.
  7. Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Joint injections. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2011.
MY00268 Aug. 13, 2013

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