Unraveling the Terminology: Steroid vs. Cortisone
When discussing anti-inflammatory injections for joint pain, the terms "steroid shot" and "cortisone shot" are often used interchangeably, and for good reason: there is essentially no difference [1.2.1]. A "cortisone shot" is a common name for a corticosteroid injection, and "steroid shot" is a broader term for the same treatment [1.2.2, 1.2.6]. Cortisone itself is a specific type of corticosteroid, a class of drugs that mimics the effects of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands to suppress inflammation [1.2.2, 1.4.5]. These therapeutic steroids are distinct from anabolic steroids, which are synthetic forms of testosterone used for muscle building [1.2.6].
What Are Corticosteroid Injections?
Corticosteroid injections deliver a powerful, manufactured anti-inflammatory medication directly to a specific area of inflammation in the body, such as a joint or tendon [1.2.4, 1.2.7]. By calming the immune system's response in that localized area, the injection effectively reduces swelling and alleviates pain [1.2.2, 1.7.1]. This targeted approach allows for a high concentration of the drug at the problem site with minimal systemic (full-body) effects [1.2.5]. While cortisone is a well-known corticosteroid, healthcare providers may use other types, including triamcinolone (Kenalog), methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol), and betamethasone (Celestone) [1.4.2, 1.4.4, 1.7.4].
Conditions Treated
Providers use corticosteroid injections to manage a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions characterized by pain and inflammation. Common applications include:
- Arthritis: Including osteoarthritis and inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis [1.3.6].
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, such as in the shoulder, knee, or elbow (tennis elbow) [1.3.1, 1.3.4].
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints [1.3.1].
- Back and Neck Pain: Used for conditions like sciatica or pain from a herniated disc by injecting near the pinched nerve [1.3.1].
- Nerve Entrapment Syndromes: Such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or Cubital Tunnel Syndrome [1.3.2].
- Other Conditions: Including gout, plantar fasciitis, and certain autoimmune diseases [1.3.4, 1.3.6].
The Injection Procedure
A cortisone shot is a quick procedure typically performed in a doctor's office [1.7.4]. The provider will first clean the skin over the target area. They may apply a numbing spray to the skin [1.3.3]. The injection itself often contains a local anesthetic (like lidocaine) mixed with the corticosteroid [1.3.6]. This anesthetic provides immediate pain relief that lasts for a few hours, while the steroid medication typically takes several days—usually 5 to 7—to begin working and reduce inflammation [1.3.5, 1.6.3]. To ensure precise placement, especially for deeper joints like the hip or spine, the doctor may use ultrasound or X-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide the needle [1.7.1, 1.3.6].
Benefits, Risks, and Duration
The primary benefit of a steroid shot is potent, localized pain and inflammation relief, which can improve mobility and allow a patient to engage more effectively in physical therapy [1.3.2]. The duration of relief varies widely among individuals and depends on the condition being treated, lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months or longer [1.6.2, 1.6.4].
However, there are risks and potential side effects:
- Short-Term Effects: The most common issues include a temporary "cortisone flare" (a brief increase in pain and inflammation), pain or bruising at the injection site, facial flushing, insomnia, and a temporary rise in blood sugar levels, which is a key consideration for people with diabetes [1.5.1, 1.5.3].
- Long-Term/Repeated Use Effects: Frequent injections in the same spot are generally discouraged as they can lead to more serious side effects, including weakening or rupture of tendons, cartilage damage, thinning of the skin, and loss of bone density [1.5.1, 1.5.4, 1.5.6]. Because of these risks, providers often limit the number of injections to about three per year in a single area and recommend waiting at least three months between injections [1.3.4, 1.6.4].
Terminology Comparison Table
| Feature | Steroid Shot (General Term) | Cortisone Shot (Specific/Common Term) |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Class | Corticosteroid [1.2.2] | Corticosteroid [1.2.6] |
| Mechanism of Action | Reduces inflammation by suppressing local immune response [1.2.2]. | Reduces inflammation by suppressing local immune response [1.3.4]. |
| Common Usage | A broad medical term for any corticosteroid injection [1.2.4]. | A widely used, popular term for a corticosteroid injection [1.2.5]. |
| Specific Drug(s) | Can be various types, e.g., Triamcinolone, Methylprednisolone [1.4.2]. | Refers to injections containing a corticosteroid, which may be cortisone or other types [1.4.5]. |
| Primary Purpose | To treat localized pain and swelling from conditions like arthritis or tendonitis [1.3.1]. | To treat localized pain and swelling from conditions like arthritis or tendonitis [1.3.6]. |
Conclusion
Ultimately, there is no functional difference between what people call a "steroid shot" and a "cortisone shot"—both refer to a corticosteroid injection aimed at relieving inflammation and pain [1.2.1]. The term "cortisone shot" has become a common shorthand for this effective and widely used treatment. While these injections can provide significant temporary relief and help facilitate rehabilitation, they are not a permanent cure for underlying conditions and must be used judiciously due to potential side effects from repeated use [1.3.3, 1.5.2].
For further reading, you may find information from the Cleveland Clinic useful: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/cortisone-shots-steroid-injections
