I avoid cortisone in part for this reason. Instead of cortisone a much better option is Platelet Rich Plasma or Stem Cell Injection which I will describe below. But first it should also be mentioned that other studies have shown that cortisone products (such as kenalog or depo-medrol shown in picture):
- increase the risk of infection after total joint replacement
- can result in infection at the injection site even if not surgery is done.
- only result in temporary relief when they do help
- increase the chances that a partial rotator cuff tear will proceed to a complete tear
Rather than cortisone I use Platelet Rich Plasma or Stem Cell Injection. These products are prepared from your own blood and use your own growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines to help heal your tissue and quiet inflammation naturally. They do not cause infection and can even help combat infection. They do not adversely affect surgical results and are indeed used to improve surgical results. This is all part of the transition going on medicine now away from toxic pharmaceuticals and toward using your body’s own resources to help heal you.
