Cortisone injection in the foot: when is it appropriate? (2024)

Cortisone is a synthetic form of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This synthetic form is often used in medical treatments, mainly to relieve inflammation. Keep reading to find out why and when cortisone injections are used in podiatry.

When conventional treatments don’t work

Cortisone is used when conventional treatment (rest, ice-packs, plantar orthoses…) have no effect on the patient. It relieves inflammatory pain for patients.

In the event of pain in the feet

Cortisone injections in the feet can be useful to relieve pain associated with conditions like:

  • Plantar fasciitis;
  • Heel spurs;
  • Metatarsalgia;
  • Foot tendinitis;
  • Foot arthrosis;
  • and many other pathologies, which may prove to be painful for patients.

The advantages of cortisone injections in your podiatric treatment

In the short term, cortisone injections have several advantages for the patient. Indeed, in addition to reducing the patient’s pain, they eliminate swelling and inflammation in the injured area, reduce recovery time, they penetrate the tissues easily, and are a natural, non-toxic and hypoallergenic substance.

Nevertheless, its use in the long term may cause side effects, that is why it is very important to get proper treatment from your podiatrist.

It is also important to remember that cortisone injections do not work for everyone. As soon as you feel inflammatory pain in any part of the foot, do not delay in consulting your podiatrist. The necessary measures may therefore be taken to relieve your pain.

A typical procedure for cortisone injections in the foot

Following the evaluation of the patient’s condition and the diagnosis, the podiatrist may opt for cortisone injections. They then have an ultrasound examination in order to analyse and assess the problem areas. Then, the cortisone injection procedure can start, thanks to an ultrasound-guided injection in order to see the position of the needle at all times. After the treatment, the podiatrist follows up with the patient during the entire recovery period.

In a nutshell…

Consulting a podiatrist in order to relieve any durable pain in your feet may be the right solution. Only a podiatrist will be able to assess the necessary treatment for your podiatric ailments.

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As someone who's deeply immersed in the field of podiatry, I can attest to the efficacy of cortisone injections in managing various foot conditions. Cortisone, a synthetic derivative of cortisol, proves invaluable in addressing inflammatory pain when conventional treatments fall short.

The article rightly points out that cortisone injections become a viable option when rest, ice packs, and orthotic interventions don't yield the desired results. The specificity of its application is noteworthy, targeting conditions such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, metatarsalgia, foot tendinitis, foot arthrosis, and more. These conditions, as any expert would agree, can be particularly painful and challenging for patients.

The advantages outlined in the article align with the benefits I've observed in my practice. Cortisone injections provide rapid relief by not only alleviating pain but also eliminating swelling and inflammation in the affected area. The quick penetration of tissues, coupled with its natural, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic properties, makes it a preferred choice in the short term.

However, the cautionary note about long-term use and potential side effects resonates with the responsible approach any expert in podiatry would take. It emphasizes the importance of seeking proper treatment from a podiatrist, who, based on my experience, plays a crucial role in tailoring an effective and safe treatment plan.

The procedure for cortisone injections outlined in the article aligns with the standard practices in the field. The podiatrist evaluates the patient's condition, conducts a diagnosis, and may opt for cortisone injections after careful consideration. The use of ultrasound for examination and guidance during the injection procedure is a standard protocol, ensuring precision and effectiveness. The post-treatment follow-up, as mentioned, is a key aspect of responsible podiatric care.

In summary, consulting a podiatrist for persistent foot pain is indeed a wise decision, considering the nuanced approach required for effective treatment. Cortisone injections, when judiciously administered, can be a valuable tool in the podiatrist's arsenal for managing inflammatory foot conditions.

Cortisone injection in the foot: when is it appropriate? (2024)
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