Sports Med Blog

Cortisone Injection Contraindications

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Published on Thursday, 29 September 2011 01:06

Written by Anne Moss Rogers

You have a sore muscle or aching back, a cortisone injection can relieve the pain. Some find their pain is gone after it wears off and still others find out that is has not. However, they are a popular pain relief remedy that can last for months.

Contraindications you should be aware of

Some individuals experience allergic type reactions (flushing of skin, itching, etc), but this is usually in response to the anesthetic component used as a topical before the shot rather than the steroid. Immediately contact your physician should you experience any of those reactions, particularly if accompanied by shortness of breath, as they may indicate the development of a more serious condition. If you have a known allergy to this category of medications, consult with your physician before receiving a cortisone injection.


Occasionally one may experience temporary mild atrophy or local skin depigmentation (lightening of skin pigment).

Diabetic patients should be aware that cortisone injections will usually elevate blood glucose levels for 3-5 days after administration of injection. So many diabetics cannot use cortisone injections.

Patients with hypertension should be aware that steroid injections may temporarily elevate blood pressure.

For more information about cortisone injections, see this article