What are the uses, side effects, and dosing of hydrocortisone topical treatments? Find comprehensive information on this steroid medicine for skin conditions, joint pain, and more.

Understanding Hydrocortisone: A Steroid for Various Health Conditions

Hydrocortisone is a steroid (corticosteroid) medicine that works by calming down the body’s immune response, reducing pain, itching, and swelling (inflammation). It can also be used as a hormone replacement for people who do not have enough of the natural stress hormone, cortisol. Hydrocortisone is used to treat a wide range of health problems, and it comes in different forms, including skin creams, ointments, lotions, injections, and tablets.

Hydrocortisone for Skin Conditions

If you’re treating a skin problem with hydrocortisone, it will usually be with a cream, ointment, or lotion. These can be used for skin problems like eczema, contact dermatitis, prickly heat rash, reactions to insect bites and stings, psoriasis, and nappy rash. The strength of the products range from 0.1% to 2.5% hydrocortisone, and pharmacies sell creams up to a maximum 1% strength. A stronger hydrocortisone cream called hydrocortisone butyrate is only available with a prescription.

Hydrocortisone for Piles and Itchy Bottom

Hydrocortisone comes as cream, ointment, or suppositories specially for inside and around the anus (bottom). It can be used to treat piles (haemorrhoids) and an itchy bottom.

Hydrocortisone for Mouth Ulcers

Buccal tablets, which stick gently to the inside of your mouth and release hydrocortisone as they dissolve, can be used to relieve the pain of mouth ulcers.

Hydrocortisone Injections for Joint Pain

Hydrocortisone injections are used to treat swollen and painful joints in people with injuries and arthritis. They help to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation). Injections are also used to treat painful tendons and bursitis.

Hydrocortisone Tablets for Adrenal Gland Conditions

You may take hydrocortisone tablets if your body does not make enough cortisol, for example, if you have Addison’s disease or if you’ve had your adrenal glands taken out. The tablets can also be prescribed for hypopituitarism, a rare condition affecting the pituitary gland.

Key Facts About Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments

Most people need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you buy it from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to a doctor first. Never put hydrocortisone on your face unless your doctor says it’s OK and has given you a prescription for it, as it can make some skin problems worse like impetigo, rosacea, and acne. Only use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old if a doctor recommends it.

Who Can and Cannot Use Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments

Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone skin treatments, but there are some exceptions. Creams you can buy are not supposed to be used on the eyes, around the bottom or genitals, or on broken or infected skin. If you have certain skin conditions like rosacea or acne, hydrocortisone may not be suitable for you. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using hydrocortisone skin treatments.

What is the Difference Between Hydrocortisone and Anabolic Steroids?

Hydrocortisone is a type of steroid known as a corticosteroid, which is different from anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are primarily used to build muscle mass and improve athletic performance, while corticosteroids like hydrocortisone are used to reduce inflammation and treat various medical conditions.

How Long Should You Use Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments?

Most people need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. However, if you buy it from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to a doctor first. Prolonged use of hydrocortisone can lead to side effects, so it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and duration of treatment.

Can Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments Be Used on Children?

Hydrocortisone skin treatments can be used on children under 10 years old, but only if a doctor recommends it. Creams for nappy rash and other skin problems in children under 10 are only available on prescription. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before using hydrocortisone on children, as they may be more susceptible to side effects.

Can Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments Worsen Certain Skin Conditions?

Yes, hydrocortisone can make some skin problems worse, such as impetigo, rosacea, and acne. It’s important to never put hydrocortisone on your face unless your doctor says it’s OK and has given you a prescription for it. Hydrocortisone should also not be used on broken or infected skin, as it can further exacerbate the condition.

What are the Alternatives to Hydrocortisone Skin Treatments?

If hydrocortisone is not suitable or effective for your skin condition, there are other treatment options available. These may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams, calcineurin inhibitors, or other prescription topical medications. It’s best to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific skin condition.

Hydrocortisone: a steroid used to treat many health conditions

1. About hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a steroid (corticosteroid) medicine.

It works by calming down your body’s immune response to reduce pain, itching and swelling (inflammation).

It can also be used as hormone replacement for people who do not have enough of the natural stress hormone, cortisol.

Hydrocortisone is used to treat many health problems. The medicine comes in different forms, including skin creams for the body and scalp, injections and tablets. The type of hydrocortisone you use will depend on your health problem.

2. Skin problems: hydrocortisone cream, ointment or lotion

If you’re treating a skin problem with hydrocortisone, it will usually be with a cream, ointment or lotion. These can be used for skin problems like:

• eczema and contact dermatitis (when the skin reacts to something it touches)
• prickly heat rash
• reactions to insect bites and stings
• psoriasis
• nappy rash

Find out more about hydrocortisone for skin.

3. Piles and itchy bottom: hydrocortisone cream, ointment or suppositories

Hydrocortisone comes as cream, ointment or suppositories specially for inside and around the anus (bottom). It can be used to treat:

• piles (haemorrhoids)
• an itchy bottom

Find out more about hydrocortisone treatments for piles and itchy bottom.

4. Mouth ulcers: hydrocortisone tablets that melt on the inside of your mouth

Buccal tablets stick gently to the inside of your mouth and release hydrocortisone as they dissolve. Buccal tablets relieve the pain of mouth ulcers.

Find out more about hydrocortisone buccal tablets.

5. Painful joints: hydrocortisone injections

Hydrocortisone injections are used to treat swollen and painful joints in people with injuries and arthritis. They help to reduce pain and swelling (inflammation).

Injections are also used to treat painful tendons and bursitis.

Find out more about hydrocortisone injections.

6. Adrenal gland conditions: hydrocortisone tablets

You may take hydrocortisone tablets if your body does not make enough cortisol – for example if you have Addison’s disease, or if you’ve had your adrenal glands taken out.

The tablets can also be prescribed for hypopituitarism, a rare condition affecting the pituitary gland.

Find out more about hydrocortisone tablets.

Page last reviewed: 22 December 2020
Next review due: 22 December 2023

Hydrocortisone for skin: a steroid medicine for treating eczema, psoriasis and insect bites

1. About hydrocortisone for skin

Hydrocortisone skin treatments can be used to treat swelling, itching and irritation. They can help with the symptoms of:

• eczema
• psoriasis
• contact dermatitis
• prickly heat rash
• insect bites and stings
• nappy rash

Most hydrocortisone skin treatments are mild and are available to buy from pharmacies. They come as:

• cream
• ointment
• lotion

Creams for nappy rash and other skin problems in children under 10 years old are only available on prescription.

Hydrocortisone is a type of medicine known as a steroid (corticosteroid). Steroids are not the same as anabolic steroids.

The strength of the products range from 0.1% (1mg of hydrocortisone in each gram) to 2.5% (25mg of hydrocortisone in each gram).

Pharmacies sell hydrocortisone skin cream up to a maximum 1% strength.

There is a stronger hydrocortisone cream called hydrocortisone butyrate. This is only available with a prescription.

Sometimes hydrocortisone is mixed with antimicrobials (chemicals that kill germs). This is used to treat skin problems caused by bacterial or fungal infections.

Other types of hydrocortisone

There are other ways of taking or using hydrocortisone, including tablets and injections.

Find out more about other ways you can use hydrocortisone to treat different health problems.

2. Key facts

• Most people need to use hydrocortisone treatments once or twice a day for 1 to 2 weeks. But if you buy it from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week, talk to a doctor first.
• Never put hydrocortisone on your face unless your doctor says it’s OK and has given you a prescription for it. It can make some skin problems worse like impetigo, rosacea and acne.
• Only use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old if a doctor recommends it.
• Creams you can buy are not supposed to be used on the eyes, around the bottom or genitals, or on broken or infected skin.
• Hydrocortisone butyrate is stronger than other types of hydrocortisone for skin. It’s only available on prescription and is known by the brand name Locoid.

3. Who can and cannot use hydrocortisone skin treatments

Most adults and children aged 10 years and over can use hydrocortisone skin treatments.

Do not use hydrocortisone skin treatments on children under 10 years old unless their doctor recommends it.

Hydrocortisone is not suitable for some people. Tell your pharmacist or doctor before starting the medicine if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to hydrocortisone or any other medicine
• have a skin infection or eye infection
• are trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or you’re breastfeeding

4. How and when to use hydrocortisone skin treatments

When using hydrocortisone on your skin, follow the instructions from your pharmacist, doctor or the leaflet that comes with your treatment.

Hydrocortisone is available as a cream, ointment and lotion.

Hydrocortisone cream and ointment

Creams are better for skin that is moist and weepy. Ointments are thicker and greasier, and are better for dry or flaky areas of skin.

Most people need to use hydrocortisone cream or ointment once or twice a day. If you use it twice a day, try to leave a gap of 8 to 12 hours before putting on any more.

Important:
Fire warning

Skin creams can dry onto your clothes and bedding. This makes them more likely to catch fire. Avoid naked flames.

The amount of cream or ointment you need to use is sometimes measured in fingertip units. This is the amount you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.

A fingertip unit is generally enough to treat both sides of your hand.

For babies and children, the right amount depends on their age. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you.

A fingertip unit of cream

Credit:

Mark Thomas/Science Photo Library https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/463425/view

How to use skin cream or ointment

1. Wash and dry your hands and then squeeze out the right amount.
2. Spread the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
3. Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction the hair grows until it disappears.
4. Use the cream on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
5. Be careful not to get the cream into broken skin or cuts.
6. Wash your hands afterwards (unless you are treating the skin on your hands).

How to use hydrocortisone skin lotion

Lotion is better for treating large or hairier areas of skin.

You will usually use hydrocortisone skin lotion once or twice a day.

Use a small amount of lotion on the affected areas of skin.

1. Wash and dry your hands.
2. Spread the lotion in a thin layer over the area of irritated skin.
3. Carefully smooth it into your skin in the direction that your hair grows.
4. Use the lotion on all the irritated skin, not just the worst areas.
5. Be careful not to get the lotion on broken skin or cuts.
6. Wash your hands afterwards (unless you are treating the skin on your hands).

Using hydrocortisone with other skin creams

Do not apply hydrocortisone at the same time as other creams or ointments such as a moisturiser. Wait at least 10 minutes between using hydrocortisone and any other product. Try to use different skin products at different times of the day.

If you’re using a dressing like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting hydrocortisone on.

How long to use it for

Most people only need to use hydrocortisone skin treatments for a short time. Stop as soon as your skin is better. Sometimes you only need to use the skin treatments for a few days.

For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you’ll probably only need to use a skin cream for up to 1 week.

For long-term skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use treatments for longer.

If you buy hydrocortisone from a pharmacy or shop, do not use it for more than 1 week without talking to your doctor.

What if I forget to put it on?

If you forget to use a hydrocortisone skin treatment, do not worry. Just use it as soon as you remember, unless it’s within a few hours of your next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and go back to your usual routine.

5. Side effects

Mild hydrocortisone treatments are very safe. Most people do not have any side effects when they use them for less than 4 weeks.

Some people get a burning or stinging feeling for a few minutes when they put the hydrocortisone on their skin. This stops happening after you’ve been using it for a few days.

Serious side effects

You’re more likely to have a serious side effect if you use a strong hydrocortisone treatment (such as hydrocortisone butyrate) or if you use hydrocortisone on a large patch of skin for a long time.

Using hydrocortisone for many months at a time can make your skin thinner or cause stretchmarks. Stretchmarks are likely to be permanent, but they usually fade over time.

Stop using hydrocortisone and tell a doctor straight away if:

• your skin becomes redder or swollen, or yellow fluid is weeping from your skin – these are signs of a new skin infection or an existing one getting worse
• you have a very upset stomach or you’re being sick (vomiting), have very bad dizziness or fainting, muscle weakness, feel very tired, have mood changes, loss of appetite and weight loss – these can be signs of adrenal gland problems
• you feel confused, sleepy, more thirsty or hungry than usual, pee more often, have hot flushes, start breathing quickly or your breath smells of fruit – these can be signs of diabetes or complications of diabetes
• you are depressed (including having suicidal thoughts), feeling high, having mood swings, feeling anxious, seeing or hearing things that are not there, or having strange or frightening thoughts – these can be signs of mental health problems
• you get a “moon face” (puffy, rounded face), weight gain in your upper back or belly – this happens gradually and can be a sign of Cushing’s syndrome
• you have any muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, or your heartbeats suddenly become more noticeable – these can be signs of low potassium levels
• you get severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or a severe upset stomach or vomiting – these can be signs of pancreas problems

Children and teenagers

In rare cases, using hydrocortisone for a long time can slow down the normal growth of children and teenagers.

Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight carefully for as long as they’re using hydrocortisone. This will help them spot any slowing down of your child’s growth and change their treatment if needed.

Even if your child’s growth slows down, it does not seem to have much effect on their overall adult height.

Talk to your doctor if you’re worried about the risks of your child using hydrocortisone.

Serious allergic reaction

It’s extremely rare to have an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to hydrocortisone, but if this happens to you get medical help straight away.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

• you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you’re wheezing
• you get tightness in the chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of hydrocortisone. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

Information:

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information.

6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Hydrocortisone creams that you buy from a pharmacy can be used in pregnancy or while you’re breastfeeding. As a precaution, if you’re breastfeeding, wash off any cream you put on your breasts before feeding your baby.

Hydrocortisone butyrate is not normally recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Only use this treatment if a skin specialist (dermatologist) prescribes it and supervises your treatment.

Your doctor will only prescribe hydrocortisone butyrate for you while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding if the benefits of the medicine outweigh the risks.

Important

For safety, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you’re trying to get pregnant, are already pregnant or if you’re breastfeeding.

For more information about using hydrocortisone during pregnancy, read this leaflet about steroid creams and ointments on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPs).

7. Cautions with other medicines

It’s very unlikely that other medicines – either prescribed or ones you buy from a pharmacy or shop – will affect the way hydrocortisone works.

Important:
Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

8. Common questions about hydrocortisone skin treatments

How does hydrocortisone work?

Hydrocortisone is a steroid (also called a corticosteroid). Steroids help to reduce swelling (inflammation) in the skin (and other parts of the body).

Skin gets inflamed when an allergic reaction or irritation causes chemicals to be released in the skin. These make blood vessels widen and the irritated skin becomes red, swollen, itchy and painful.

Hydrocortisone skin treatments work on your skin’s cells to stop these chemicals being released. This reduces symptoms like swelling, redness and itching.

When will my skin get better?

Your skin should start to get better after using hydrocortisone for a few days.

If you’re using a treatment you’ve bought from a pharmacy or shop, speak to your doctor if you still have symptoms after 1 week, or if your skin gets worse at any time.

How long will I use hydrocortisone skin treatments for?

How long you use it for depends on why you’re using it.

For insect bites and stings, nappy rash or contact dermatitis you’ll probably only need to use hydrocortisone for up to 1 week.

For long-term skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis you may need to use hydrocortisone for longer.

To reduce the risk of side effects your doctor may recommend that you only use hydrocortisone for a few weeks at a time.

Once your skin is better, use moisturisers to keep it from becoming inflamed again.

Can I use hydrocortisone skin treatments on my face?

Do not use a hydrocortisone on your face unless a doctor has told you to and given you a prescription for it.

The skin on your face is delicate, so if hydrocortisone damages it, it’s particularly noticeable.

Some common skin problems that affect the face, such as impetigo, rosacea and acne, can be made worse by hydrocortisone.

If your doctor has prescribed hydrocortisone for your face, follow their instructions carefully.

Do not put hydrocortisone near your eyes or on your eyelids.

Is it safe to use for a long time?

Using hydrocortisone for a long time without stopping can mean some of the medicine gets into your blood. If this happens, there’s a very small chance it can cause serious side effects, such as adrenal gland problems, high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia), or problems with your eyesight.

If you have been using hydrocortisone for a long time, your doctor may tell you to gradually reduce the amount you use before stopping completely.

Can I drink alcohol with it?

Yes, you can drink alcohol while using hydrocortisone.

Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?

No, you can eat and drink normally while using hydrocortisone.

Can I still have vaccinations?

Using hydrocortisone cream does not stop you or your child having vaccinations.

But tell the doctor or nurse that you’re using hydrocortisone cream so they can give the vaccine in an untreated area of skin.

Will it affect my fertility?

There’s no clear evidence that hydrocortisone skin treatments affect male or female fertility.

Will it affect my contraception?

Hydrocortisone for skin does not affect any types of contraception, including the combined pill or the emergency contraception.

Can I drive or ride a bike?

Hydrocortisone does not make you sleepy, so it’s safe to drive, ride a bike, or use tools and machinery when using this medicine.

Cortisol

Cortisol (hydroxycortisone) is a steroid hormone of the adrenal cortex; the most active of the glucocorticoid hormones, regulates carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism. Cortisol is produced by the fascicular zone of the adrenal cortex under the control of ACTH, metabolized in the liver, filtered in the renal glomeruli and excreted in the urine, the half-life of the hormone is 80-110 minutes. In the blood, most of the cortisol is in protein-bound form – 75% with corticosteroid-binding globulin and 10% with albumin. The synthesis of corticosteroid-binding globulin, as well as other hormone transport proteins, increases under the action of estrogens, therefore, when taking drugs containing estrogens and during pregnancy, a progressive increase in the concentration of total cortisol is observed, due to an increase in the content of corticosteroid-binding globulin, while the level of free cortisol remains within norms. Cortisol secretion changes little with age and has a diurnal rhythm with a maximum in the morning and a minimum in the evening.

Cortisol plays a key role in the development of anti-stress reactions of the body, suppresses inflammation and immune responses. The hormone has a catabolic effect: it increases the degradation of existing proteins and a decrease in de novo protein synthesis in all tissues except the liver, increases the concentration of glucose in the blood by increasing gluconeogenesis and slowing down its utilization, and contributes to the development of hyperlipidemia. Cortisol has a weak mineralocorticoid activity, with its elevated level, an increase in sodium reabsorption, the development of edema and hypokalemia are noted. Determination of the concentration of cortisol in the blood serum is used in the diagnosis of VDKN, Addison’s disease, hypercortisolism of various origins.

For the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency, the content of cortisol in the blood and ACTH in the blood are determined in the morning, during the daily maximum. In primary adrenal insufficiency, the level of cortisol in the blood is reduced, and ACTH is elevated; in secondary adrenal insufficiency, the levels of both ACTH and cortisol are reduced or are at the lower limit of the reference limits. In case of doubtful results, a series of samples taken at different times of the day (8.00; 16.00; 20.00) is examined. Additional tests are often required for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of both hypercorticism and hypocorticism. In Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, a standard dexamethasone cortisol test (dexamethasone suppression test) is used to determine the etiology of the syndrome. The prolonged ACTH stimulation test differentiates between Addison’s syndrome (primary adrenal insufficiency) and secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Test indications

• Differential diagnosis of primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency;
• diagnostics of diseases/syndromes of Addison and Itsenko-Cushing;
• osteoporosis;
• muscle weakness;
• arterial hypertension;
• precocious puberty;
• abnormal skin pigmentation;
• oligomenorrhea;
• obesity.

Increased values ​​

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Consult a specialist for possible contraindications

information on side effects and side effects.

Cortisone belongs to a group of drugs (corticosteroids) that reduce the body’s own immune response. Cortisone injections are regularly used in doctors’ offices – even in many cases where conservative treatment should have been tried first.

Cortisone injections have a number of negative side effects that you should be aware of – and which in fact, in many cases, can worsen the condition in the long term. However, we note that it is effective against mucositis by ultrasound guidance. Do you have a contribution? Use the comment box below or our facebook Page – feel free to share the post.

What is a cortisone injection?

Cortisone syringes can be injected into certain parts of the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Studies have shown that it can provide short-term symptom relief, but studies have also shown that this form of treatment is far from having side effects.

It has also been observed in studies that if the injection is guided by ultrasound, the likelihood of a positive result is much higher – unfortunately, very few use ultrasound guidance during injection, although this is much better and safer for the patient.

Cortisone lowers the immune system

As already mentioned, cortisone has a negative effect on the immune system’s ability to fight inflammation and infections. This means you should not take cortisone if you have any of the following infections:

• Fungal infection
• viral infection
• bacterial infection

The use of cortisone may cause these infections to not be fought and the pain to last longer and be worse than it would otherwise be.

Do not take cortisone if you have any of the following diseases/conditions :

• Osteoporosis/Osteoporosis – Cortisone can cause bone death and permanently deteriorate the diluted bone structure.
• Diabetes – cortisone injections may cause changes in blood sugar levels.
• High blood pressure and heart disease. Studies have shown that steroids increase the chance of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, heart failure, and stroke (1).
• Pregnancy / lactation. Cortisone can harm the fetus and can also pass into breast milk during breastfeeding.
• liver disease
• Diseases of the stomach (including ulcerative colitis and ulcers)
• Muscle diseases
• Diseases of the kidneys

How many cortisone injections can I give?

Repeated injections of cortisone can lead to destruction of cartilage in the joints – so, naturally, such injections will not occur. The number of injections has a cumulative effect (i.e. they have a cumulative effect). The well-known Mayo Clinic has stated that you should have a maximum of 3-4 injections per year as the negative side effects can be very extensive. They also state that there should be at least six weeks between injections.

Possible side effects and complications of cortisone injection

Cortisone injections can cause a number of negative side effects. Here is a list of possible side effects:

• Bleached skin near the injection site
• Joint infection
• Temporary bloating for pain and inflammation
• Temporary increase in blood sugar
• nerve injury
• Osteonecrosis (dead bone)
• Osteoporosis (thinning of adjacent bone tissue)
• Late injury or tendon rupture
• Injury and liquefaction of the skin and soft tissues at the injection site

Cortisone: – Short term improvement but long term worsening and increased chance of tendon rupture chin the elbow, shoulder, achilles tendon and knees. Studies (2) have shown that such injections can provide good short-term relief up to 8 weeks (e.g. for tennis elbow or shoulder pain), but that when rechecked at 6 months and 12 months, pain and problems were actually worse compared from groups that received physical treatment, or groups that only “waited”.

Because of the way cortisone works, these studies have shown it can lead to longer healing and tissue damage in the tendon. In fact, there is an increased risk of tendon rupture in the weeks following the injection; and it is expected that this rupture may occur within a period of 6 weeks to 4 years after injection. (3)

Cortisone injection for tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis?

Two large studies compared physiotherapy with cortisone injections. Cortisone treatment showed a significant improvement at 6 weeks, but at follow-up at 12 months, a significantly higher incidence of recurring problems, pain, and dysfunction was noted in the cortisone injection group. This again highlights the importance of understanding that cortisone syringes are not a good long-term solution.

Plantar fasciitis

Studies have shown short-term positive effects from cortisone injections – but only for 4-12 weeks. There is also no good long-term solution here, especially when we are aware of the potential side effects such as an increased chance of tendon rupture.

Tendon injuries must be physically treated to encourage healing

The safest treatment will always be physical treatment Although, depending on the problem, this may take significantly longer. Examples of physical therapy include individual training exercises, eccentric training, cross-friction tissue work, instrumented tendon tissue work (Graston), shock wave, and joint mobilization of adjacent dysfunctional joints.

Treatment of tendinosis/tendon injury

Healing time: 6-10 weeks (if detected early). 3-6 months (if the condition has become chronic).

target: Stimulate healing and reduce healing time. Treatment can reduce the thickness of the tendon after injury and optimize collagen production so that the tendon regains its normal strength.

measures: Rest, ergonomic measures, support, stretching and conservative movement, freezing, eccentric exercise, muscle work/physiotherapy, joint mobilization and nutrition (we will cover this in more detail in the article).

First of all, let’s look at this statement from a larger study: “Cener spends over 100 days suppressing new collagen” (4). This means it can take time to heal a tendon injury, especially one you’ve had for a long time, but seek help from an authorized clinician (physiotherapist, chiropractor, or chiropractor) and start taking the right steps today. Many measures you can do yourself, but in some more serious cases it may be useful. Shock wave of the needle and physiotherapy.

Why do cortisone injections have an almost immediate effect?

Cortisone Syringe, a mixture of the anesthetic xylocaine and a corticosteroid, has been shown in studies that stops the natural healing of collagen and is also an indirect cause of future tendon ruptures and tears (4). In other words, one should really ask the question – will it be useful? – before making such an injection. Cortisone may have a good effect in the short term, but there is a risk of worsening the condition when you look at it in the long term.

So why did I feel better right after the injection? Well, one answer lies in the content: xylocaine. An effective anesthetic that will make local pain feel like it’s going away right away, but remember that this may be too good to be true – at least in the long run. However, there are some diagnoses that respond very well to treatment, most notably bursitis/mucositis.

But if I’m not going to have a cortisone shot, how can I get well?

Take yourself seriously and listen to your body’s pain signals – seek help from someone who works daily with muscles, tendons and joints.

1. rest: The patient is advised to take into account the body’s pain signals. If your body is asking you to stop doing something, then you want to listen. If an activity you’re doing hurts you, it’s the body’s way of telling you that you’re doing “a little, a little fast” and that it doesn’t have time to adequately recover between sessions. Micro-pauses at work can be extremely helpful, for repetitive work you should take a break of 1 minute every 15 minutes and 5 minutes every 30 minutes. Yes, the boss probably won’t like it, but it’s better than getting sick.
2. Take ergonomic measures: A small ergonomic investment can make a big difference. For example. Allow your wrist to remain in a neutral position when working with data. This results in significantly less strain on the wrist detectors.
3. Use support in the area (if applicable): If you have an injury, make sure the area is not subjected to the same tensile forces that were the actual cause of the problem. Natural enough. This is done with support in the area where the tendon is injured, or alternatively it can be used with sports or kinesio tape.
4. Reach out and keep moving: Regular gentle stretching and movement of the affected area ensures that the area maintains a normal pattern of movement and prevents shortening of the affected muscles. It can also increase blood circulation in the area, which helps the natural healing process.
5. Use frosting: Icing may relieve symptoms but make sure you don’t use more ice cream than recommended and also make sure you have a thin kitchen towel or similar around the ice pack. The clinical recommendation is usually 15 minutes in the affected area, up to 3-4 times a day.
6. Eccentric Exercise: Eccentric strength training (read more and watch video), performed 1-2 times a day for 12 weeks, has a clinically proven effect on tendinopathy. It has been seen that the effect will be greatest if the movement is calm and controlled (Mafi et al, 2001).
7. Get treated now – don’t wait: Seek help from your doctor to “get over your knee” to make it easier for you to take self-care measures. The clinician can assist with pressure wave therapy, needle therapy, joint mobilization, physical work, and the like to provide both functional improvement and symptom relief.
8. nutrition: Vitamin C, manganese and zinc are essential for the production of collagen – in fact, vitamin C forms a derivative of what is converted into collagen. Vitamin B6 and vitamin E are also directly linked to tendon health. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you have a good and varied diet. Maybe you will need to take some supplements in the diet when healing occurs? Feel free to consult with a nutritionist or other specialist.

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1. General exercise, specific exercises, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within pain limits. Two walks a day for 20-40 minutes are good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we highly recommend – they come in different sizes so you can even hit all parts of the body. There is no better self-help than this! We recommend the following (click image below) is a complete set of 5 trigger points/massage balls in different sizes:

) can help you train strength and function. Knitting training often includes more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain relief – cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by gently cooling the area. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they settle down, heat treatment is recommended – so having both cooling and heating is desirable.

5. Pain Relief – Heating: Warming up the muscles can improve circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot/cold pad (click here to learn more about it) – which can be used for both cooling (can be frozen) and heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and treatment: Compression noise like this can increase blood circulation in the affected area, thereby accelerating the natural healing of damaged or worn muscles and tendons.

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Photographs: Wikimedia Commons 2.0, Creative Commons, Freemedicalphotos, Freestockphotos and contributed reader material.