Mercy Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Kamala Littleton Discusses Cortisone Injections For Joint Pain Relief

Cortisone injections can relieve inflammation and pain from conditions like arthritis and injuries, but despite their effectiveness, they're not for everyone. 

Brenda Blondheim got to do everything she wanted to do while on a recent vacation to St. Lucia. She said it wouldn't have been possible without cortisone injections.

"On this vacation, I would be in a wheelchair because it was an island and there were various elevations," Blondheim said.

Blondheim gets injections every four to six months.

"I've had them in my shoulders, my hands, my knees, my back," Blondheim said. "That's worth it, to be able to get up and move around and have some pain-free time. When you have arthritis, you have pain most of the time."

According to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Kamala Littleton of Orthopedics & Joint Replacement at Mercy Medical Center said the injections can dramatically reduce pain, but they're not for everyone.

"There are different situations where I use cortisone," Dr. Littleton said.

For example, cortisone can elevate blood-sugar levels, so often times, it's not always an option for diabetics. The age of a patient and the injury can also play a role.

"Cortisone has a role; we try not to overuse it. I try not to give cortisone shots in soft tissue, like tennis elbow and things like that. You don't want a lot of injections directly into soft tissue, because you can damage that tissue," Dr. Littleton said.

Blondheim said joint replacement surgery is in her future, but she's said she's grateful the cortisone treatments have kept her moving, pain free and able to enjoy life.

To view Dr. Kamala Littleton’s interview regarding cortisone injections and joint pain relief, click here.