When exploring treatment options, it’s important to consider a cortisone shot as a last resort after other methods have been exhausted. This treatment offers temporary relief rather than a permanent solution. However, it does offer certain advantages. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure, including side effects, safety, cost, and effectiveness. By examining these factors, you can determine if a cortisone shot is the right choice for you.
Side effects
If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis and need quick pain relief, a cortisone injection can be an effective treatment option. While it’s not a permanent fix, it can provide immediate relief for individuals who can’t afford to miss important events due to pain. If you find yourself experiencing pain while walking or going about your daily activities, it’s worth considering this treatment. However, it’s important to note that there are potential negative side effects associated with this procedure that should be taken into account.
Although cortisone injections can offer temporary relief for certain individuals, they are also linked to potential adverse effects. Injection therapy is typically not recommended as an initial course of treatment and is often categorized as an elective procedure that may not be covered by insurance. If you are contemplating receiving a cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis, it is crucial to consult your doctor and thoroughly explore all available treatment options before proceeding with the injection.
Effectiveness
An injection of corticosteroids is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. These drugs reduce inflammation and pain. But they do not treat the underlying condition. Corticosteroids are often prescribed as part of a treatment plan, which may also include physical therapy, custom orthotics, and activity modifications. A single cortisone shot can effectively relieve pain and inflammation for two to three months.
The effectiveness of corticosteroid injection for plantar fasciitis was studied in clinical trials. It has been shown to be beneficial, but a systematic review concluded that this therapy is not well-established and requires further research. This study used ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection to measure the effects of corticosteroids in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
The effectiveness of cortisone injections for plantar fasciitis was proven in a study published in the Journal of Pain Research. The treatment significantly reduced plantar fascia thickness. It was also found to be superior to other treatments, such as prolotherapy and platelet-rich plasma therapy. However, it was only effective for two to three months, and the results were not sustained after 36 months. Although cortisone injections are not a cure for plantar fasciitis, they are an effective treatment for the condition, and they are often recommended as an alternative to surgery.
Safety
The safety of a cortisone injection for plantar fasciitis depends on the injection site and the amount of the medication given. Cortisone is typically safe, though some patients have reported skin irritation or infection after receiving the shot. To reduce the risk, your healthcare provider will sterilize the injection site. However, an infection can develop at the injection site, which can spread to other areas of the joint. Unlike oral corticosteroids, which enter the bloodstream immediately, cortisone is only absorbed locally and is circulated through the body. It does not affect everyone, however, and a single injection may be safe.
A study of 25 patients showed that corticosteroid injections significantly reduced the pain experienced by patients with plantar fasciitis. Patients who received an injection showed significant pain reduction and improvements in function scores. The patients who received an image-guided injection had a significantly lower rate of recurrence of heel pain. However, it was important to note that a cortisone shot may cause atrophy or necrosis of the plantar fat pad. These issues may reduce the patient’s activity level.
Cost
A cortisone shot is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of plantar fasciitis. It may cost up to $300, depending on the type of cortisone shot given. This is much less expensive than surgical interventions, but it adds up over time, especially if the treatment is repeated every two to three months. In addition to cortisone, alternative treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, stretching, orthotic inserts, and Plantar Fasciitis splints.
While cortisone shots are not a miracle solution, they can provide pain relief for many people. The injection is similar to any other shot given at the doctor. A small needle is used to inject cortisone into a painful area of the plantar fascia. The pain is generally less than a day afterward, but relief can come much sooner. Although doctors often recommend this injection for plantar fasciitis, Dr. Leo Krawetz warns that there are other treatments first, and it’s better to try them before you have an injection.
