Cortisone is a steroid that can be effective at reducing inflammation, especially in the joints. Cortisone is naturally produced by the adrenal glands in your body when under stress. The cortisone that is injected into your body is synthetically produced. It is injected directly into the area of inflammation.
Cortisone injections usually begin to work within a few days and can last up to a few months. They have been found to be helpful with trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder, plantar fasciitis of the foot, and many more conditions. Most physicians limit treatment to three cortisone injections because continued cortisone usage can cause tendon or cartilage damage. Physicians usually weigh the effectiveness of the first injection to determine how to proceed with care.