Unpacking the Terminology: Steroid vs. Cortisone
When dealing with joint pain and inflammation, medical providers often recommend injections to deliver targeted relief. This can lead to confusion between the terms "steroid shot" and "cortisone shot." The simple answer is that they largely refer to the same treatment [1.2.2]. A cortisone shot is a specific type of steroid shot [1.2.1]. Corticosteroids are a class of manufactured drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands to reduce inflammation [1.2.3]. Cortisone is one such corticosteroid [1.2.4]. Therefore, when you receive a cortisone shot, you are receiving a steroid injection. Healthcare providers may use the terms interchangeably, but both refer to an injection of a corticosteroid medication to combat inflammation and pain [1.3.3].
What are Corticosteroids?
Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medications [1.2.3]. They work by suppressing the body's immune response in the targeted area, which calms inflammation and, in turn, alleviates pain [1.4.4, 1.3.2]. These are not pain relievers in the traditional sense; their primary function is to reduce the inflammation that causes the pain [1.2.4]. Common types of injectable corticosteroids include methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone [1.5.1, 1.5.4]. These synthetic hormones are distinct from anabolic steroids, which are synthetic versions of testosterone used to increase muscle mass and are associated with athletic performance enhancement [1.3.3, 1.11.1].
Conditions Treated with Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a versatile treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues characterized by inflammation. They are not typically a first-line treatment but are considered when conservative measures like rest, ice, and oral anti-inflammatories fail to provide relief [1.4.3].
Commonly treated conditions include:
- Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis [1.4.1].
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Inflammation of tendons and the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, often in the shoulder, knee, elbow, or hip [1.4.1].
- Spinal Conditions: Pain from herniated discs or spinal stenosis can be managed with epidural steroid injections [1.4.2].
- Nerve Compression Syndromes: Conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in the wrist benefit from the inflammation-reducing effects of these shots [1.4.1].
- Gout: Injections can help manage the acute pain and swelling associated with gout attacks [1.2.4].
The Injection Procedure: What to Expect
A corticosteroid injection is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed in a doctor's office [1.10.4]. The provider will first clean the injection site. They may apply a topical anesthetic spray to numb the skin [1.10.1]. The injection itself often contains a local anesthetic like lidocaine mixed with the corticosteroid medication [1.7.4]. The anesthetic provides immediate, short-term pain relief, while the corticosteroid begins to work over the following days [1.4.3]. To ensure precision, especially for injections into the spine or deep joints like the hip, the physician may use imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) [1.10.2, 1.3.2]. After the injection, you may be asked to rest the area for a day or two and apply ice as needed [1.7.4].
Benefits vs. Risks
The primary benefit of a cortisone shot is targeted, potent anti-inflammatory action that can reduce pain, improve range of motion, and allow patients to participate more effectively in physical therapy [1.7.2, 1.3.2]. Relief can last from several weeks to six months or even longer, depending on the individual and the condition being treated [1.8.1, 1.8.4]. However, there are risks involved. The most common side effects are temporary and localized, including a "cortisone flare" (a brief increase in pain and inflammation), bruising, or skin discoloration at the injection site [1.2.3]. A temporary increase in blood sugar levels is also common, which is a key consideration for patients with diabetes [1.2.1].
More serious, long-term risks are associated with frequent, repeated injections in the same location. These can include:
- Cartilage damage [1.13.3]
- Tendon weakening or rupture [1.7.2]
- Thinning of the skin [1.13.1]
- Bone thinning (osteoporosis) or bone death (avascular necrosis) [1.13.2, 1.13.3]
- Adrenal gland suppression [1.2.1]
To mitigate these risks, healthcare providers typically limit the number of injections to three or four per year in a single joint [1.4.4, 1.8.3].
Comparison Table: Cortisone Shot vs. General Steroid Shot
| Feature | Steroid Shot (General Term) | Cortisone Shot (Specific Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | Corticosteroid [1.2.3] | A specific type of Corticosteroid [1.2.1] |
| Primary Goal | To reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response locally [1.4.4]. | To reduce inflammation by mimicking the body's natural cortisol [1.2.4]. |
| Mechanism | Suppresses various elements of the immune system to calm inflammation and pain [1.4.3]. | Reduces inflammation, which in turn provides pain relief [1.2.4]. |
| Common Use | A broad term used by doctors and patients for anti-inflammatory injections [1.3.3]. | A common and specific term for the same type of anti-inflammatory injection [1.3.2]. |
| Confusion Point | The term "steroid" is sometimes confused with anabolic steroids [1.11.3]. | Cortisone is a corticosteroid, not an anabolic steroid used for muscle building [1.12.1]. |
Conclusion
While the terms can be confusing, a steroid shot and a cortisone shot are effectively the same treatment for inflammatory conditions. Cortisone is simply one type of corticosteroid used in these injections [1.6.3]. These shots can provide significant, albeit temporary, relief from pain and swelling, enabling better function and participation in rehabilitative therapies [1.3.2]. However, due to potential side effects from overuse, they are administered judiciously by healthcare professionals as part of a comprehensive treatment plan [1.13.1].
For more information, you can review resources from the Cleveland Clinic.
