cortisone shots

kyushomaster · Feb 13, 2010

What do you guys think of cortisone shots? are they a solution to the problem or just a cover-up. I have tendonitis in both elbows i think. they have been hurting for months. just when they feel like they are getting better the pain resurfaces. Im considering the shots but dont just want to mask the problem and make it potentially worse.

ericraven2003 · Feb 13, 2010

I would try anything before having those done. They can take the inflamation away in the short term, but make it worse in the long term.

fat kid · Feb 13, 2010

Short term solution to possible long term problem. Pursue all other alternatives first.

DrivingForward · Feb 13, 2010

I've spoken to two Orthopedic specialists about the tendons in my elbow, one was specifically an upper extremities specialist.

Neither wanted to operate, both thought injection was the solution. It has been injected 3 times, with mostly positive success.

Pain tends to go away for 6-12 months, and doesn't always recurr. My elbow does have flair ups, which can be quite bad, but can be calmed with anti-inflammatories like Etodolac (It laughs at 800mg Ibuprofen). That being said, the problem "has not gotten any worse" despite heavy weight training, and being 10 years older than when it first occured.

Nor did my Dr. feel that the injections are particularly destructive to the tendons or ligaments.

Food for thought...

cnock · Feb 14, 2010

I had shoulder pain for a long time and got and got one shot in each shoulder. Havent had a problem since but i have taken extra precautions with chest and delt training.

Bammy · Feb 14, 2010

I work in physical therapy. Having said, they generally just make you feel better for a while but do not fix the problem. And how long they last depends on the ester, just like with test etc. I recommend against it.

Amazon Doll · Feb 14, 2010

I have done Prednisone therapy on tendon problems with great results without having to go to the shots. I have had shots on other areas as needed and as infrequently as pain allows.

The knife is what I want to avoid at all costs

BEASTZ6 · Feb 14, 2010

One Cortisone shot three years ago completely cured the pain in my shoulder.

thebrick · Feb 14, 2010

I have had cortisone in both shoulders and it definitely worked as a last resort in both cases to get the inflammation under control. You also need to address what you are doing to aggravate it to get to that point. As Doll said, just avoid that knife!

Amazon Doll · Feb 14, 2010

ICE should be your best friend when you have inflamation problems. Ice it every time you use it and a few other times during the day. NSAIDs are good to help inflamation but tough on the guts if used for 2 long.

I like a long hot showere after a workout, then ice it for 20 minutes. It sucks and takes a lot of time but it slowly resolves the isssue.

Keep icing it long after it feels healed.

dudcki27 · Feb 14, 2010

I also get yearly injections in both of my shoulders(AC joint). It's incredible how well it works. But the doctor told me to stay away from bench press sence that is what causes it. I do incline bench only now and the slight difference of angle really makes a big difference. I also started taking Cissus Quadrangularis wich works as a mild anti-inflamatory and seems to keep me from getting any flare ups.