Cortisone controversy....

winsomehill

Cathlete
What do you all think about getting a cortisone shot? My podiatrist is saying I may need one. I am unsure, because I have just heard horrible things. Just curious about your opinions.
Thanks,
Heather
 
Catherine,
I was told by someone that cortisone binds with the body, and stays in the system forever after taking it. She blamed cortisone and other drugs on auto immune diseases. Because, the body is recognizing it's own organs etc as foreign. Is this just naturalist propaganda or what?
Heather
 
I've had several cortizone shots and have no ill effects from them. However, I recommend that you make sure you REALLY need the shot.

What is the problem you are trying to cure?


http://www.GlitterMaker.com/created/39583717.gif[/IMG][/URL]
(fitxme)
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I would use it as a last resort. I've had six over the years for various injuries and I'm 40 now and knock on wood no autoimmune issues. None of the shots have worked for me, but it was a last resort anyway.
 
To my knowledge there is no data in the medical literature that links cortisone to autoimmune diseases. If I needed a cortisone shot, I would take one. That said it is a medication and shouldn't be taken lightly (which obviously you don't). Hope you are well soon from whatever is giving you trouble.

:)
Catherine
 
I don't get them, but I've heard that that they help a lot. One reason that I don't get them is because they hurt and I'm a big wimp! But, also, I'm afraid that the relief I get from the cortisone shot will "mask" the pain and that I will continue doing an activity that aggravates an injury because I'm not feeling the pain that I'm blocking.

Erica
 
I think that the major concern, when it comes to cortisone, is that it is a type of steroid and steroids can ... if taken over a long period of time ... hinder your immune system along with many other health issues. It is not something to take lightly, but speaking from experience of family members of mine wh have taken cortisone shots for bone spurs on their feet, it was a positive result with no known side effects.


Jenn
 
Thank you for all of your responses. I have Plantar Fasciatis and have had it for almost two years. It's an overuse injury that is constantly becoming reinjured because you have to walk on it. I of course have run and done aerobics on it, as soon as it's gotten better "enough". Bad, bad, bad. Now I have stayed off it completely and have been taking anti inflamatories, ice, etc. It's being pretty stubborn though. The doc said I will probably not be able to run again. Well, he said a little on "some" surfaces. Ending my love of running long distances. I just want it to be better.

Heather
 
carpal tunnel syndrome

Did you get permanent relief from the shot? I have carpal tunnel syndrome, but haven't gotten a cortisone shot and have been putting off surgery for a long time.

Erica
 
RE: carpal tunnel syndrome

I was bothered by Plantars for quite a while and the cortisone shot only provided "temporary" relief.

The ultimate cure for me was night splint that I wore at bedtime for about a month....haven't been bothered since.

I would think that it would only provide "temporary" relief for anything...additional treatment is usually always necessary eventually.

Good Luck.


http://www.GlitterMaker.com/created/39583717.gif[/IMG][/URL]
(fitxme)
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I had terrible plantar fasciitis. I had several cortisone shots - they were wonderful, nothing else had worked. I did notice that the first one lasted a year, but the second and third only lasted about 6 months.

I got rid of the problem forever when I lost 95 pounds.
 
I had a cortisone shot in a tendon in my ankle last year. Not only did the shot do nothing for me but I noticed, about 3 months afterward, that the fat in my lower leg was pretty much gone! An MRI confirmed that it was fat and not muscle. When I showed my doctor she said that it was only the 2nd time in 16 years that she had seen that happen. She also advised that I stay far, far away from that stuff.

Now, I do know a few people who have gotten great relief from a cortisone shot. It's just my lousy luck that there are no quick fixes for my injuries.

My husband suffers from PF and sometimes wears a night splint. He said it helps to keep it stretched out and the morning pain is not as great.

Good luck!
 
Shame on your doctor for telling you won't be able to run again. I constantly suffer from PF and have had a shot in both heels. It tends to go from one to the other foot. I still run, only every other day now. I do treadmill running almost exclusively. The shot will give you immediate relief.

Staying off it doesn't make it better, right?? You need to learn how to live with it so it isn't unbearable. ICE ICE ICE after a run; use a night splint (Sure Step night splint is the BEST); get a knobby roller and roll the heck out of it when it feels tight; do your calf raises and stretches. If you have a desk job, roll it on
your roller at work. You can also get a small knobby rubber ball if you can't find a roller. The shot hurts but it's worth it because it does make it better. I think the shot is better for your body than all the anti-inflammatories.

If you do Cathe workouts, make sure to get a mat for your floor to reduce the impact. DO NOT GIVE UP!!

Best of luck to you.
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top