Cortisone shots can be helpful for short-term pain relief, but they aren’t a long-term solution and do come with potential risks.
🔹 Pros of Cortisone Injections:
✅ Reduces inflammation quickly (great for arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis).
✅ Provides temporary relief, often lasting weeks to months.
✅ Can help delay or avoid surgery if used sparingly.
🚨 Potential Downsides & Risks:
- Cartilage & Tissue Breakdown – Repeated cortisone injections can weaken cartilage and ligaments, leading to joint deterioration over time.
- Short-Term Relief – The effects wear off, and the underlying issue isn’t fixed.
- Increased Blood Sugar – For diabetics, cortisone can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Risk of Infection or Joint Damage – While rare, repeated injections can cause joint instability.
💡 Safer Alternatives to Cortisone:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – Uses your own platelets to heal the joint naturally.
- Prolotherapy – Stimulates long-term tissue repair without damaging cartilage.
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections – Adds joint lubrication without harmful side effects.
- Physical Therapy & Strength Training – Helps improve joint function without injections.
Cortisone isn’t necessarily bad, but it’s best used sparingly—and combined with regenerative or rehab-based treatments for lasting relief.
