You’ve heard about the cortisone shot.　Many people receive these shots　for the treatment of inflammation that occurs in areas of the body as a result of　soft tissue and joint problems.　These problems range from tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  According to Hannah Rice Meyers from ehow.com, a writer with  10 years of experience  in the health industry and a Masters Degree in nursing from Upstate Medical University in New York, the following side effects are all a possibility when using cortisone:

• discoloration of the skin at the site of the injection
• bacterial infections at the site, atrophy (shrinking of the skin)
• blood vessels bursting in the skin or muscle resulting in bleeding at the site
• and a reaction of the medication which results in an aggravation of the inflammation rather than relief.

It is also possible for the tendons to be weakened by the shot, and in rare cases, a rupturing of the tendon.

An alternative to cortisone shots is going drug-free with kinesiology therapeutic taping.  Not only will KT Tape relieve pain, but it will allow you to maintain the mobility you need to keep training.  Below is a testimony from a KT Tape customer that illustrates the choice for KT Tape over cortisone shots.

Almost two years ago I could barely lift my right arm without shooting, piercing pain. I was in the gray area for surgery and physical therapy so, against my ideals, I got a cortisone shot because the pain was just too much. Now it’s beginning to wear off and is taking the sport I love the most, volleyball, with it. I’m 27 and can barely sleep at night because of throbbing pain in my shoulder.Long story short, I eventually tried KT Tape and was completely PAIN FREE for two months! Recently, I was invited to play in a women’s national tournament this May in AZ and because of KT Tape I can do just that.  –Sue Carignan

In the words of the younger generation, “nuff said.”

Filed under: Aches Pains Injuries, Uncategorized | March 5, 2010
Tags :arthritis , bursitis , cortisone , ehow.com , Hannah Rice Meyers , Sue Carignan , tendinitis , Upstate Medical University