quote:Originally posted by CPLZ:
Ennis,
With an inflammed joint that prevents playing or movement, a shot of cortisone can relieve the inflammation and allow movement/playing. Would that not be a healing of the joint inflammation?
As a veteran of many cortisone shots, I have had them take me from unable to game ready in days...very impressive results for me, but as you say, doesn't work everytime and results can vary.
Ripped this off a website as their explainatin says it better than I do. I just look at cortisone as an anti-inflammatory (not to be taken in the buttocks). It's makes you feel better, that much is for sure.
What is cortisone?
Cortisone is a type of steroid that is produced naturally by a gland in your body called the adrenal gland. Cortisone is released from the adrenal gland when your body is under stress. Natural cortisone is released into the blood stream and is relatively short-acting.
Injectable cortisone is synthetically produced and has many different trade names (e.g. Celestone, Kenalog, etc.), but is a close derivative of your body's own product. The most significant differences are that synthetic cortisone is not injected into the blood stream, but into a particular area of inflammation. Also, the synthetic cortisone is designed to act more potently and for a longer period of time (days instead of minutes).
How does the cortisone injection help?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. Cortisone is not a pain relieving medication, it only treats the inflammation. When pain is decreased from cortisone it is because the inflammation is diminished. By injecting the cortisone into a particular area of inflammation, very high concentrations of the medication can be given while keeping potential side-effects to a minimum. Cortisone injections usually work within a few days, and the effects can last up to several weeks.