Cortisone is a corticosteroid medication resembling cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the body. It is used in medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping manage conditions like arthritis.
Understanding Cortisone’s Action
Cortisone functions as a synthetic version of naturally occurring glucocorticoid hormones. These hormones are integral to the body’s processes, including the regulation of inflammation. When administered, cortisone works at a cellular level by binding to glucocorticoid receptors located within cells. This interaction leads to changes in gene expression, specifically promoting the production of anti-inflammatory proteins and inhibiting the creation of molecules that cause inflammation, such as prostaglandins and cytokines.
This mechanism allows cortisone to effectively reduce swelling, pain, and stiffness associated with arthritis. It suppresses the immune response contributing to inflammation, lessening the body’s exaggerated inflammatory reaction in affected joints.
Cortisone Treatment Approaches
Cortisone can be administered in different ways to target arthritis, with intra-articular injections being a common method. These injections deliver cortisone directly into an affected joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or hip. This localized approach provides direct relief to the inflamed area, often leading to rapid symptom improvement with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral administration.
Relief from intra-articular injections is temporary, typically lasting several months. Healthcare providers generally limit these injections to three or four times per year in a single joint, with a minimum interval of about three months between injections, to minimize potential risks to joint health. Oral corticosteroids may be prescribed for more widespread inflammation or certain types of arthritis. This form of cortisone has a systemic effect, impacting the entire body, and is generally used for shorter durations or at the lowest effective dose due to a broader range of potential side effects.
Effectiveness and Important Considerations
Cortisone provides rapid relief from arthritis pain and inflammation, often improving joint function. While effective in managing symptoms, it does not cure the underlying arthritis but offers symptomatic relief.
Cortisone treatment has potential side effects. For injections, temporary pain or a “flare” at the site is common, usually resolving within a day or two. Less common local effects include skin changes, and rarely, joint infection or cartilage damage. Systemic effects can occur with both oral and injected cortisone, especially with repeated or long-term use, and may include increased blood sugar, bone thinning, weight gain, increased infection susceptibility, and mood changes. Medical professionals weigh these considerations against benefits, often integrating cortisone into a broader arthritis treatment plan.