This article will help you understand cortisone injections and how to prepare for them.
What Is the Cortisone Injection Procedure?
Steroid injections, also known as corticosteroid or cortisone injections, are anti-inflammatory medications used to treat a range of conditions.
When Are Cortisone Injections Administered?
Cortisone injections may be used to treat several issues, such as joint pain and inflammation, sciatica, inflammatory bowel disease, and certain hair and skin problems like alopecia. The injections can be administered intravenously, into the muscle, joints, around the spine, or into the skin, depending on the patient's condition.
Only healthcare professionals can administer steroid injections.
How to Prepare for a Cortisone Injection?
Inform your doctor before starting the treatment if:
You have had a steroid dose in the past few weeks — usually, you need to wait at least 6 weeks between injections.
You have received three steroid injections in the past year — doctors typically recommend no more than three injections in the same area within 12 months.
You have had an allergic reaction to steroid products in the past.
You have any infections (including eye infections).
You have recently received or are about to receive any vaccinations.
You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive.
You have other health conditions, such as diabetes, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or liver, heart, or kidney problems.
You are taking other medications, such as anticoagulants.
Steroid injections may not always be suitable for these conditions, although a doctor might recommend them if they believe the benefits outweigh the risks.
