One common treatment for certain joint conditions that is oftentimes considered before surgery is a corticosteroid injection. The corticosteroid solution is a synthetic drug that closely resembles cortisol, which is a hormone that our adrenal glands produce naturally to help control inflammation. When delivered to a specific location, a corticosteroid injection can significantly reduce pain and discomfort caused by localized inflammation.
These corticosteroid injections can be extremely effective when considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and they can help to treat a variety of different shoulder issues. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at why a shoulder injection may be recommended and how to maximize the benefit of a corticosteroid injection.
Cortisone Injections For Shoulder Problems
Inflammation is the root cause or a contributing factor in discomfort for a wide variety of shoulder conditions, which is why a corticosteroid injection can oftentimes be so beneficial. A corticosteroid injection may be recommended to treat any of the following shoulder issues:
- Frozen Shoulder
- Degenerative or Inflammatory Arthritis
- Tendinitis
- Rotator Cuff Impingement
- Osteoarthritis
As we noted above, corticosteroids help to calm inflammation that is impinging structures or inhibiting natural movement in the shoulder joint. It’s certainly possible that a shoulder injection may provide you with complete pain relief, but that’s not typically the case. An injection can resolve localized inflammation, but it doesn’t do anything to address why the inflammation developed in the first place. For example, let’s say that your shoulder inflammation is being caused by tendonitis or bone spurs that are irritating nearby soft tissues. The injection may help to alleviate inflammation in the short term, but the problem will likely return in the future because the underlying problem remains.
That’s the main reason why shoulder injections are typically paired with active treatments like physical therapy or mobility exercises. An injection pairs well with active techniques because it helps to calm inflammation that is making movement painful. When movement is less painful, it’s easier to push yourself to complete a shoulder therapy routine or to follow through on your physical therapy exercises. These active techniques can help to address the underlying issue, ensuring that inflammation doesn’t return once the effects of the corticosteroids have worn off.
So while a corticosteroid injection may be recommended as part of a comprehensive care plan, don’t assume that the shot will do all the work. You’ll have to physically challenge yourself while the injection is keeping symptoms at bay so that you can see long-term pain relief. If you don’t take advantage of the opportunity provided by the injection, odds are pain will return, and injections typically become less effective over time, so don’t just expect to keep going back in for an injection once the effects fade.
Dr. Holloway and his team would be more than happy to go over your treatment options and determine if a corticosteroid injection may be right for you. If it is recommended, we’ll also work with you to develop an active treatment plan that can ensure you get the maximum benefits when discomfort is minimized. For more information about the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections for certain shoulder conditions, or to talk to a shoulder specialist about a different issue that you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
