Where Does the Cortisone Shot Go in the Knee?

July 4, 2024

Find out where a cortisone shot goes in the knee, its effects, risks, and precautions for relief.

Cortisone Shot for Knee

Understanding where a cortisone shot goes in the knee is crucial for those experiencing persistent knee pain. Cortisone shots are a commonly used treatment for various conditions associated with inflammation and pain.

Purpose and Administration

Cortisone shots, also known as steroid injections, serve the purpose of reducing inflammation in specific areas of the body. These shots are commonly used to treat conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis, delivering a dose of medication directly to the inflamed area in the body [1]. They can provide relief for painful conditions related to the musculoskeletal system, including joints, tendons, muscles, and the spine.

In terms of administration, cortisone injections are typically delivered to joints, including those in the hip, knee, shoulder, spine, or wrist, to reduce inflammation and pain. The primary goal of these injections is to enable individuals suffering from these conditions to resume their everyday activities.

Effectiveness and Duration

The effectiveness of cortisone shots varies based on the individual's condition and the severity of the inflammation. For many people, these shots can significantly reduce pain and inflammation, making them a valuable treatment option. However, it's important to note that while cortisone shots can help relieve symptoms, they do not cure the underlying condition.

The duration of the relief provided by a cortisone shot can also vary. For some people, the shot may provide temporary relief, lasting a few weeks or months. Others may experience longer-term relief. However, these shots are not a long-term solution and should be used alongside other treatment methods for the best results.

Remember, while cortisone shots can provide major relief, they are not without risks and potential side effects. It's important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider to ensure that this treatment is the right option for you.

Conditions Treated

Cortisone shots are used to treat a wide range of conditions, particularly those that involve inflammation and pain in the joints and musculoskeletal system. They are frequently used to alleviate the symptoms of conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, and inflammation in various parts of the body.

Arthritis and Tendinitis

Arthritis and tendinitis are among the most common conditions treated with cortisone shots. Both of these conditions involve inflammation in the joints, which can cause pain and impede mobility. Cortisone shots can be used to deliver a dose of medication directly to the inflamed area, helping to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.

For example, in the case of osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, cortisone shots help alleviate inflammation in the affected joints. Similarly, for tendinitis, which is the inflammation of a tendon, the cortisone shot can be delivered directly into the inflamed tendon to provide relief.

Bursitis and Inflammation

Bursitis, which is the inflammation of the bursa (small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles around the joints), can also be effectively treated with cortisone shots. The shots are used to reduce inflammation and pain in the bursa, providing relief to the patient.

In addition to these specific conditions, cortisone shots can be used to treat inflammation in various parts of the musculoskeletal system, including joints, tendons, muscles, and the spine. They can be used for inflammatory conditions in large joints like the knee or smaller joints in the hand or ankle [2]. They can also be used to treat herniated discs in the spine and calm inflammation in the facet joints of the spine.

Cortisone shots can provide significant relief for individuals suffering from these conditions, allowing them to regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life. As with any medical treatment, it's important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider to ensure that cortisone shots are the best option for your specific condition and overall health.

Injection Process

Understanding the injection process is crucial when considering the answer to the question, "where does a cortisone shot go in the knee?" This section will cover the injection site and the immediate and long-term effects of a cortisone injection.

Injection Site

Cortisone shots are often injected into joints such as the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, or wrist, and even into small joints in the hands or feet [4]. For the knee specifically, the cortisone shot is injected directly into the joint space. This allows the medication to be delivered directly to the area experiencing inflammation, providing targeted relief.

The goal of a cortisone shot is to suppress elements of the immune system, calm inflammation, and decrease pain. This enables individuals to resume their everyday activities with less discomfort [3].

Immediate and Long-Term Effects

Cortisone shots deliver a dose of medication directly to a problem spot in the body, temporarily reducing the immune system's activity to decrease inflammation.

The immediate effects of a cortisone shot can vary from person to person. Some people might experience temporary relief from pain and inflammation shortly after the injection, while others might need a few days to feel the benefits.

In terms of long-term effects, cortisone shots are generally considered a short-term solution for pain and inflammation. The duration of relief can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. In some cases, symptoms may return after a few weeks or months. It's important to discuss these factors with a healthcare provider to ensure that cortisone shots are a suitable treatment option for your specific situation.

Understanding the injection process, including where a cortisone shot goes in the knee and what to expect in terms of immediate and long-term effects, can help individuals make an informed decision about this treatment option.

Side Effects and Risks

It's important to note that while cortisone injections in the knee can provide relief for a variety of conditions, they also carry potential side effects and risks. These can range from cosmetic changes such as skin discoloration and fat atrophy, to health complications like elevated blood sugar levels and tendon weakening.

Skin Discoloration

One potential side effect of a cortisone injection in the knee is skin discoloration around the injection site. This can result in a change in skin color that can last for a few weeks or months, or in some cases, may be permanent. The incidence of this side effect is reported to occur in 1.3% to 4% of patients, with a higher prevalence in darker-skinned individuals.

Fat Atrophy

Fat atrophy, or a loss of fat tissue, at the injection site is another potential side effect. This can result in a divot or depression in the skin. This side effect is estimated to occur in 0.6% (6 out of every 1000) injections. It typically resolves within 6 months, but it can take up to 2 or 3 years for the skin's appearance to return to normal [5].

Blood Sugar Levels

Cortisone injections in the knee can cause an elevation in blood sugar levels, particularly in patients with diabetes. Even though cortisone is not delivered directly into the bloodstream, patients with diabetes are advised to inform their doctors before the injection and monitor their blood sugar levels closely for a day or two following the injection [5].

Tendon Weakening

Another potential risk of cortisone injections in the knee is weakening of nearby tendons, which can make them more susceptible to tearing. To mitigate this risk, physicians avoid placing cortisone injections directly in or next to a tendon. Patients can lower the risk of tendon injuries by resting the affected joint post-injection and gradually increasing activity with recommended stretching and exercises.

While these side effects and risks may seem concerning, it's important to remember that they are relatively rare and can often be mitigated with appropriate precautions. By discussing these potential risks with your healthcare provider, you can make an informed decision about whether a cortisone injection is the right treatment for your knee pain.

Limitations and Precautions

While cortisone shots can be an effective remedy for knee pain, it is important to understand the limitations and precautions associated with this treatment method. As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that should be taken into consideration.

Cartilage Impact

Research indicates that repeated cortisone injections in the knee may have a detrimental effect on cartilage. One study found an association between repeated cortisone injections and 0.11 cm of cartilage loss, although there was no established association with increased knee pain [5]. To minimize this risk, doctors often limit the number of cortisone shots given into a joint. The limitation depends on the joint, diagnosis, and other factors [4].

Number of Injections

The number of cortisone shots a patient can receive is typically limited due to concerns about potential damage to the joint's cartilage. This limit can vary depending on the specific joint in question, the patient's diagnosis, and other relevant factors. As per the Mayo Clinic, repeated cortisone shots might cause damage to the cartilage within a joint, leading doctors to limit the number of cortisone shots administered.

Precautions for Diabetes Patients

For patients with diabetes, caution must be exercised when considering cortisone shots. Cortisone can temporarily cause blood sugar levels to rise, potentially complicating the management of diabetes. Consequently, it is crucial for patients with diabetes to closely monitor their blood sugar levels following a cortisone shot and adjust their diabetes medications as necessary under the guidance of their healthcare provider.

In summary, while cortisone shots can provide significant relief for individuals suffering from knee pain, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on cartilage and the limitations regarding the number of injections. Furthermore, for patients with diabetes, special precautions must be taken to manage potential fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss these factors in detail with a healthcare provider before deciding where a cortisone shot goes in the knee.

Considerations and Recommendations

After receiving a cortisone shot in the knee, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure a successful recovery process. These factors include monitoring blood sugar levels, adhering to recommended rehabilitation and activity levels, and being aware of potential long-term effects.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

Cortisone injections can elevate blood sugar levels, especially in patients with diabetes. Despite not delivering cortisone directly into the bloodstream, these injections can still impact glucose levels. As such, patients with diabetes should inform their physicians prior to the injection and monitor their blood sugar levels closely for a day or two following the injection.

Rehabilitation and Activity

Patients are advised to take steps to mitigate the risk of weakening nearby tendons, a potential side effect of cortisone injections in the knee. This risk can be reduced by taking ample rest post-injection and gradually increasing activity with recommended stretching and exercises [5]. It's crucial to follow all post-injection care instructions provided by the healthcare provider to ensure optimal healing and to prevent further injury.

Potential Long-Term Effects

While cortisone shots can provide temporary relief from inflammation and discomfort, they typically do not cure the underlying problem causing the inflammation [3].

Moreover, research indicates that repeated cortisone injections may have a detrimental effect on cartilage. An association has been found between repeated cortisone injections and a small amount of cartilage loss. However, this study did not establish an association with increased knee pain.

As such, while cortisone injections can be a viable option for managing knee pain and inflammation, they should not be seen as a long-term solution. Patients are advised to discuss other treatment options with their healthcare provider to address the root cause of their knee issues.

In conclusion, while cortisone shots can provide relief from knee pain and inflammation, patients should be well-informed about the potential risks and side effects. Careful post-injection care, including monitoring blood sugar levels and adhering to recommended activity levels, can help ensure a successful recovery.