Cortisone for bursitis can have varying effectiveness, depending on the severity and location of the bursitis, the amount and frequency of the cortisone dosage, and whether sufferers have underlying health conditions that could possibly lead to side effects. Many physicians who administer cortisone injections instruct their patients to rest the treated areas for a certain length of time until the cortisone can take full effect. Some people with bursitis develop this condition from repetitive physical activity with improper joint movement, so their doctors may recommend specific exercises for them to help diminish future inflammation. Bursitis sufferers who carefully follow these directions for healing time generally see the best results from cortisone injections.
Using cortisone for bursitis can often be helpful for reducing the uncomfortable joint swelling that comes with this condition. The most common areas for bursitis flare-ups include the shoulder, elbow, and hip joints. An injected dose of cortisone for bursitis is generally more effective when administered as soon as possible at the first noticeable signs of discomfort. Sufferers who allow the bursitis inflammation to worsen before seeing a physician may need higher cortisone doses that take a longer time to bring significant relief from this problem.
Bursitis can sometimes respond better to cortisone, depending on this condition's exact location in the body. Inflammation that occurs deeper in the bursa of a joint can sometimes be more resistant to this treatment and require higher dosages. Cases of bursitis can also occur in soft joint tissues closer to the surface of the skin. These often need smaller doses and fewer injections. Many physicians also consider injections of cortisone to be the safest and most effective for patients without weakened immune systems or infections such as the influenza virus.
Different underlying health problems can also determine the effectiveness of cortisone for bursitis. People with certain types of diabetes are normally candidates for only small doses of cortisone because this substance carries the risk of elevated blood sugar. If some diabetics have more severe cases of bursitis, cortisone injections may not be the most effective treatment options for them as a result. Cortisone for bursitis can also be less effective for patients who have lower bone densities that may indicate early-stage osteoporosis. This kind of injection administered to some osteoporosis patients can carry higher risks of serious side effects such as internal bleeding into the affected joint.