MD Podiatrist Discusses the Side-Effects of Cortisone Injections

When going to the doctor, cortisone injections are sometimes used to reduce inflammation and lessen pain localized to particular areas of the body. However, cortisone shots are not without potential side-effects. To get a better idea of what these side-effects may look like states Dan Michaels, DPM, who further explained the risks as well as who cortisone injections might not be suitable for. “Some possible side effects from cortisone injections include pain at the site of the injection where the needle pierces the skin, redness near the injection site, and blanching of the skin,” he states. “In rare cases, a cortisone injection, if applied into a tendon region, can possibly lead to weakening of the tendon.”
 
“Diabetics with elevated blood sugar levels should not receive cortisone injections for risk of the cortisone leading to a spike in blood sugar,” Dr. Michaels states. He says that cortisone shots should also be avoided by those who may be allergic to the medication. However, those with health conditions aren’t the only people a cortisone injection may not be suitable for. “If there is an infection or open wound in the area that is inflamed where a cortisone injection is being considered, the injection should be avoided,” Michaels states. “As a general rule, cortisone injections should be given into trigger points or joints, and tendons should be avoided for risk of causing weakening or rupture.”