According to Podiatry Today, one in every six Americans suffer from plantar fasciitis, meaning that this mobility problem has reached epidemic levels in the United States. Unfortunately, most patients tend to tolerate this problem for a long time before they decide to seek medical intervention. Others attempt to treat it on their own and end up worsening the injury.

One of the most common treatment methods for plantar fasciitis today is a cortisone injection. However, concerns have been raised about its efficacy, with some people claiming that it causes other serious complications. This article discusses the reasons why cortisone isn’t a viable long-term remedy for plantar fasciitis.

What Is Cortisone?

Cortisone is a man-made steroid that replicates the effects of cortisol – a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. Cortisone has proved to be very effective in alleviating pain caused by an array of conditions. That’s why many doctors are injecting it into the feet of patients suffering from plantar fasciitis (foot pain you experience when you step out of bed) in the morning.

Why Cortisone Isn’t Viable

Many physicians continue to contend with the question of whether to treat their plantar fasciitis patients with cortisone or not. Many doctors rely on their individual experiences when making this important decision, especially since there isn’t enough evidence to prove that cortisone injections can cause serious complications.

Although this steroid can fully alleviate severe pain almost instantly, it comes with a few side effects. Unfortunately, most of these side effects counterbalance its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists the following cortisone side effects:

• Dizziness or headaches
• Skin problems, such as dryness, acne, thinness, and red or purple marks
• Fatigue and lack of sleep
• Mood swings and instability
• Increased appetite, weight gain, and water retention

Other serious side effects of cortisone injections include:

• Vision problems
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Seizures
• Swelling in different parts of your body
• Rashes, hives, and itchy skin

These side effects vary from patient to patient, and they can be mild or severe. Some people will develop these symptoms the first time they get the injection, while others will show none at all. However, long-term use of cortisone has shown to be risky because regular injections in the same joint can easily damage it and the surrounding tissue. It’s also important to note that cortisone alters your immunity function, lowering your body’s inflammatory response. For more information about cortisone and plantar fasciitis, talk to IQ Therapy.