How to Treat a Rotator Cuff Injury with Cortisone

The muscles and tendons connecting the shoulder blade to the upper arm are collectively known as the rotator cuff. When muscles and tendons in this area are torn or otherwise damaged, an injection of cortisone at the injury site can alleviate the inflammation.

Diagnosing Rotator Cuff Injuries

• Repetitive actions or any movement where the arm is raised over the head can injure the muscles and tendons in the rotator cuff. Overuse of the shoulder muscles, as often happens in athletic activities like tennis where constant overhead reaching is required, can also inflame the tendons. This injury is is common in people over age 40, whose tendons and muscles have naturally grown weaker through everyday wear and tear. Shoulder pain, particularly while lifting or sleeping, and a reduced range of shoulder motion might indicate a rotator cuff injury.

Using Cortisone

• Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that can be injected, injected, inhaled or applied topically. A cortisone injection, also known as a corticosteroid injection, provides relief by soothing inflammation at the injury site for months or even years, which is often enough time to allow the injury to heal itself. Cortisone shots work rapidly and more effectively than ingested pain relievers.

How it's Administered

• While many rotator cuff injuries repair themselves in time if the shoulders are given a chance to heal, a doctor might prescribe a cortisone injection to soothe inflammation if the injury is accompanied by severe pain or discomfort. A doctor injects cortisone with a hypodermic needle directly into the damaged tendons and muscles. The shot can be administered in the doctor's office, and while a patient should avoid lifting heavy objects or performing actions that require extensive shoulder movement for a day or two following the injection, most normal activities can resume immediately.

Potential Dangers

• Cortisone shots will reduce inflammation, but do not promote healing. Sufferers of rotator cuff injuries should also perform exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles to prevent the injury and pain from returning after the effects of the cortisone have worn off. Cortisone injections can be hazardous to people with diabetes or chronic infections, as they raise blood sugar levels and limit the body's ability to fight infection. Cortisone use can cause bone damage, thinned and weakened patches of skin, nerve damage and joint infections. Repeated use can damage cartilage in the joints.