Cortisone Injections for Arthritis in the Foot
Arthritis in the foot can be a debilitating condition that affects your ability to walk, run, and carry out day-to-day activities. Whether it’s osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-traumatic arthritis, the pain and inflammation in the foot joints can severely impact your quality of life. Fortunately, cortisone injections offer a treatment option that can provide significant relief for arthritis-related foot pain. At Bondi Podiatry, we are experienced in using cortisone injections to help manage and alleviate foot arthritis pain. This article explores how cortisone injections work, their benefits, potential risks, and how they can be part of an effective treatment plan.
What Is Arthritis in the Foot?
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints, and it can develop in several areas of the foot and ankle. There are various types of arthritis that can affect the foot:
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form, this “wear and tear” arthritis develops when cartilage in the joints wears down over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the synovium, the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: Arthritis that develops after an injury to the foot or ankle.
Symptoms of arthritis in the foot include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased range of motion. Over time, arthritis can lead to changes in the structure of the foot, making it even more painful to walk or bear weight on the affected foot.
What Are Cortisone Injections?
Cortisone injections, also known as corticosteroid injections, are a type of anti-inflammatory medication injected directly into the painful joint. Cortisone is a synthetic form of cortisol, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that helps regulate inflammation in the body. When injected into the affected area, cortisone reduces inflammation and provides pain relief.
Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat various types of arthritis, including arthritis in the foot and ankle.
How Do Cortisone Injections Help Arthritis in the Foot?
Cortisone injections work by reducing the inflammation in the affected joints, which is the primary cause of pain in arthritis. By directly targeting the inflamed joint, cortisone can offer quick and effective pain relief. Here’s how cortisone injections help arthritis in the foot:
1. Pain Relief: By reducing inflammation, cortisone injections alleviate the pain associated with arthritis, allowing you to move more freely and comfortably.
2. Improved Mobility: With reduced pain and swelling, cortisone injections can improve your joint’s range of motion, helping you regain mobility and flexibility in your foot.
3. Quick Onset of Action Unlike oral medications, which take time to work their way through your bloodstream, cortisone injections are applied directly to the source of the pain, providing faster relief.
4. Long-Lasting Effects: While cortisone injections are not a permanent solution, they can offer relief for weeks or even months, giving you time to engage in physical therapy, exercises, and other treatments aimed at improving joint health.
What to Expect During the Procedure
At Bondi Podiatry, the cortisone injection procedure is quick and minimally invasive. Here’s what you can expect during the process:
1. Assessment: Before administering a cortisone injection, your podiatrist will thoroughly examine the affected joint and review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate for the treatment.
2. Preparation: The area around the joint will be cleaned and sterilised. In some cases, a local anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area, ensuring minimal discomfort during the injection.
3. Injection: The cortisone is then injected directly into the joint using a fine needle. The process is quick and typically takes only a few minutes.
4. Aftercare: You may be advised to rest the affected foot for a day or two after the injection. Some people experience a temporary increase in pain, known as a "cortisone flare," which usually subsides within a day or two. Icing the area and resting can help alleviate this discomfort.
Benefits of Cortisone Injections for Arthritis in the Foot
Cortisone injections can provide several benefits for people with arthritis in the foot:
1. Non-Surgical Treatment: Cortisone injections offer an effective, non-invasive treatment option for managing arthritis pain, delaying or even preventing the need for surgery.
2. Quick Relief: Cortisone injections often provide pain relief within a few days, making it a fast-acting solution for severe arthritis pain.
3. Long-Lasting Effects: Depending on the severity of the arthritis and the individual’s response to treatment, cortisone injections can provide relief for several weeks to months.
4. Enhances Other Treatments: Pain relief from cortisone injections allows patients to participate in physical therapy and exercise programs more effectively, helping to improve joint strength and flexibility over time.
5. Reduced Inflammation: Cortisone directly targets inflammation, reducing swelling, which can help prevent further joint damage.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
While cortisone injections can be very effective, there are potential risks and side effects to consider:
1. Cortisone Flare: A temporary increase in pain after the injection is a common side effect. This usually subsides within a day or two.
2. Infection: Although rare, there’s a small risk of infection at the injection site. Following proper aftercare instructions can help minimise this risk.
3. Weakening of Tendons: Repeated cortisone injections over a long period may weaken the tendons or ligaments around the injection site, increasing the risk of injury.
4. Joint Cartilage Damage: Overuse of cortisone injections can potentially accelerate the degeneration of joint cartilage. This is why cortisone injections are typically limited to three to four times a year.
5. Skin Discoloration or Thinning: Some individuals may experience skin thinning or lightening around the injection site, particularly if injections are administered repeatedly.
6. Temporary increase in blood sugar levels which could affect those with diabetes.
This list is not extensive, this needs to be discussed with your podiatrist (endorsed for the prescription of scheduled medicines) or medical practitioner.
Other Treatment Options for Arthritis in the Foot
While cortisone injections can provide significant relief, they are usually part of a broader treatment plan. At Bondi Podiatry, we offer a range of treatments to manage arthritis in the foot, including:
- Custom Orthotics: Custom-made orthotics can help redistribute weight across your feet, providing relief from arthritis pain by reducing pressure on affected joints.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises that strengthen the muscles around the affected joints can help improve mobility and reduce pain over time.
- Footwear Modifications: Proper footwear with cushioning and support can help relieve stress on arthritic joints.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
- Surgical Options: In severe cases where conservative treatments are not effective, surgery may be recommended to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with arthritis in your foot, cortisone injections can be an effective way to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing you to enjoy a better quality of life. At Bondi Podiatry, we assess each patient’s unique situation and tailor treatment plans to meet their individual needs. Cortisone injections, combined with other treatments such as custom orthotics, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, can provide long-lasting relief from arthritis symptoms.
Contact us at Bondi Podiatry today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how cortisone injections can help manage your foot arthritis and get you back on your feet!
