What Are Cortisone Shots?
Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone your body naturally produces to manage stress and inflammation. When administered as cortisone injections, this medication works by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response in a specific area, such as a knee, shoulder, or hip. This targeted delivery provides much more potent relief for localized issues than oral medications, which must travel through your entire system.
We understand that the idea of receiving a needle in a painful joint can be stressful for many patients. At Pain Management of North Dallas, we prioritize your comfort by using a very fine needle and often applying a local anesthetic to numb the area first. Beyond just numbing the pain, the steroid works over several days to shrink swollen tissues and decrease the friction within the joint. This reduction in inflammation is a critical step in breaking the cycle of chronic pain and allowing you to participate more fully in physical therapy.
Our clinical team treats every patient with the empathy and respect they deserve, acknowledging that your pain is unique. While injections for pain relief are a common procedure, we view them as a precise medical tool that requires expert placement. Depending on the joint being treated, we may use ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure the medication reaches the exact pocket of inflammation. This high level of precision not only improves the effectiveness of the treatment but also ensures the highest standard of safety for our North Dallas community.
What Health Conditions do Cortisone Shots Help Treat?
Cortisone shots are incredibly versatile and are frequently used to treat a wide range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. For many of our patients, these injections are a primary defense against the pain of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips. By calming the flare-ups associated with these conditions, we can help you maintain an active lifestyle and preserve joint function for as long as possible.
In addition to chronic arthritis, cortisone injections are highly effective for treating repetitive strain injuries and acute inflammatory conditions. If you are suffering from the sharp, stabbing pain of bursitis or the persistent ache of tendonitis, a targeted injection can provide the relief necessary to begin a rehabilitation program. Our specialists also use these injections for chronic pain related to conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and even certain types of back pain involving the facet joints.
- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Bursitis (Shoulder, Hip, or Knee)
- Tendonitis (Tennis Elbow or Rotator Cuff)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
Get Relief with Cortisone Shots in Frisco, Plano, & McKinney
Pain Management of North Dallas is committed to providing accessible, high-quality care across our four convenient locations in Frisco, Plano, McKinney, and Dallas. We believe that effective pain management should be personalized, which is why we never take a “one-size-fits-all” approach. When you visit us for cortisone shots, you are receiving care from a team that focuses on your specific goals—whether that is returning to the golf course, playing with your grandchildren, or simply getting through a workday without distraction.
What truly sets our practice apart is our dedication to the North Dallas community and our comprehensive approach to wellness. We don’t just provide injections for pain relief; we work with you to identify the underlying mechanical issues contributing to your discomfort. By combining advanced interventional treatments with a compassionate, patient-centered philosophy, we help you achieve lasting results. Our state-of-the-art facilities are designed to make your visit efficient and comfortable, ensuring you spend less time in a waiting room and more time living your life.
Ready to stop living with joint pain? Request an appointment online with Pain Management of North Dallas today to see if this treatment is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortisone Injections in North Dallas
How quickly will I feel the effects of the injection?
While the local anesthetic may provide some immediate relief that lasts for a few hours, the cortisone itself typically takes 2 to 7 days to begin working. Most patients notice a significant reduction in inflammation and a decrease in pain levels within the first week following the procedure.
Are there any side effects I should be aware of?
Some patients experience a “cortisone flare,” which is a temporary increase in pain at the injection site for the first 24–48 hours. Other minor side effects can include temporary thinning of the skin or lightening of skin color at the injection site. We will discuss your full medical history to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
Can I drive myself home after the procedure?
In most cases, yes. Because we typically use only local numbing agents, you should be fine to drive. However, if you are receiving an injection in a major weight-bearing joint like your knee or hip, or if you feel any significant numbness, we may recommend having a friend or family member drive you home for your safety.
How many times can I receive these injections?
To protect the integrity of the joint tissues and cartilage, we generally recommend limiting injections to the same area to no more than three or four times per year. During your consultation, we will monitor your progress and determine the safest schedule for your specific needs.
