Cortisone is a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, which is a small gland next to the kidney. This gland secretes many different kinds of hormones needed for regulation of body processes. Some regulate sodium and potassium, some have an effect on blood sugar, protein and fat metabolism, and some have the same effect as the sex hormones.

Cortisone is needed by metabolic systems for utilization of carbohydrates, proteins and fats, and for resistance to physical and mental stress and infections. The adrenal gland releases cortisone in response to stress caused by trauma, infection, intense heat or cold, surgery, and almost any debilitating disease.

Cortisone is primarily used therapeutically for its anti-inflammatory properties. It is the body's most powerful natural resistance to inflammation.

Swelling causes inability to move joints, and is a natural method of immobilization. Swelling causes us to avoid using or touching the painful area, so as to rest the part involved.

The four main signs of inflammation are REDNESS, SWELLING, HEAT, and PAIN. Inflammation is a normal process which is set into motion by a complex series of events which try to heal the damaged body tissues. However, the inflammation itself may be potentially harmful.

Cortisone, made by the body, is indicated for the treatment of most inflammatory conditions and some non-inflammatory conditions. For localized injections, manmade cortisone-like preparations are used. (The cortisone injections referred to here are not to be confused with the anabolic steroids used by some athletes to enhance their physical performance.) The manmade preparations are more potent anti-inflammatories with less side effects than cortisone.

The inflammatory conditions which usually respond to a local cortisone injection are:

• JOINT INFLAMMATORY CONDITIONS, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.
• BURSITIS; an inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs between the skin, bone, and joints)
• PERI-ARTHRITIS; inflammation of the structures surrounding a joint
• TENDONITIS; inflammation of the tendon or its sheath
• NEURITIS; inflammation of a nerve or its surrounding structures
• FIBROSITIS; inflammation of a muscle or its surrounding tissues

The non-inflammatory conditions which respond to local cortisone injections are:

• For symptomatic relief of joint, muscle, and tendon pain
• For reduction in painful areas of scar tissue
• Dermatological diseases
• Certain allergic states

Symptom improvement can occur within the first 24 hours; improvement in pain and stiffness is sometimes dramatic. Maximal relief from pain and swelling usually is accomplished within 3 days, and may continue for up to two weeks or longer.

Local injections of a small amount of cortisone have very few reactions compared to long-term cortisone therapy. Local injections use a small amount of cortisone injected into a small, limited area, and is usually fully absorbed in two weeks or less. The cortisone used is not long-acting, allowing for quicker absorption.

Your doctor can answer any questions you may have regarding cortisone injection therapy.