Would you take a Cortisone Shot to Run Again?

Topsking2010

I been having knee pain for the past 6 weeks and according to my doctor I might need a cortisone shot in order to run again.

For you runners out there would you get the shot?

arc918

Good question. Am I doing any damage if I take the shot and keep running?

Topsking2010

My doctor says no damage can be done by running. However there is no guarantee this is a long term solution to the problem.

rjt1000

I been having knee pain for the past 6 weeks and according to my doctor I might need a cortisone shot in order to run again.

For you runners out there would you get the shot?

sure. I just had a shot in each knee to deal with arthritis. Very little risk and very low side effects. All it does is reduce imflammation. There's a newer type of injection that actually increases the viscosity of the sinovial (sp?) fluid in the bursa and knee to reduce irritation.

I had pain in back of knee because of the arthritis. Relief from the pain in less than 24 hours. I get a cortisone shot in my shoulder (2 surgeries in 10 years) every 18 months or so for pain/swelling issues.

tenunderfour

Yes, I would take the shot.

TylerJ76

idk

I took Cortisone back in college when I was playing football. It helped, short term. Now I think my knees are worse off with it.

No medical proof, just my thoughts..

rjt1000

My doctor says no damage can be done by running. However there is no guarantee this is a long term solution to the problem.

now, i'm not saying that getting the shot is a long term solution. Long term solution depends on the root cause. With my shoulder, there's no long term solution as there's long term damage. The steroid shot reduces swelling so reduces bone on bone problems and reduces pain. But only way for me to avoid it flaring up again is to stop moving my arm forever.

Your knee problem might be simple irritation that the steroid shot will clear up and you can run for years without ever having pain again. Or you could have joint issues that will flare up again and you'll need another shot. If a simple shot, with no side effects, gets you a year of pain free running, is it worth it to you? It is and was to me for my knees and shoulder.

arc918

My doctor says no damage can be done by running. However there is no guarantee this is a long term solution to the problem.

If the shot will dull the pain and I won't do any additional additional damage then I'm all in!

run4yourlife

My Dad has been getting cortisone shots for knee pain and says he really notices a difference. Just keep in mind that it only numbs the pain, it doesn't get to the root of the problem. That would concern me somewhat because you would be running with an injury that you don't actually FEEL, so I would wonder if there's potential to make it worse by doing so. I MIGHT consider taking it as a temporary means of relief, but would definitely continue to be proactive in rectifying the actual source of the pain.

rjt1000

My Dad has been getting cortisone shots for knee pain and says he really notices a difference. Just keep in mind that it only numbs the pain, it doesn't get to the root of the problem. That would concern me somewhat because you would be running with an injury that you don't actually FEEL, so I would wonder if there's potential to make it worse by doing so. I MIGHT consider taking it as a temporary means of relief, but would definitely continue to be proactive in rectifying the actual source of the pain.

not exactly correct. It doesn't really numb the pain. Usually they add in a little pain killer but what it does is reduce tissue immflamation and increase the capability of the fluid to lubricate and cushion the joint. The pain killer relieves the pain for 4-8 hours maybe, enough time for the steroid to kick in and start working on the tissues. If the pain is caused by bone on bone (arthritis) and the irritation is causing increased swelling leading to more bone on bone, then the shot will help considerably but will be a temporary (months, maybe couple years) fix.

Again, long term, it all depends on the source of the problem. For my knees, the problem is arthritis and it's not going away ever. So, I'm looking at getting a shot every year or two depending on other factors. For somebody who's over worked the knee and just needs some temporary relief to give the joint time to heal, one shot might be all that's needed for many years.

Topsking2010

Thanks everybody for your advice!! I first need an MRI to see if there is any further damage.