Side effects
Cortisone intervenes in the metabolism, more precisely in the formation of new sugar from fat. It mobilises fat from its depots and converts it into sugar. As a result, blood fat values and blood sugar levels rise.
Sugar is harmful to blood vessels and organs. In combination with fats, they can lead to arteriosclerosis over a longer period of time. Since cortisone also has a blood pressure-regulating effect, cortisone treatment leads to an increase in blood pressure and water retention (edema) in the tissue.
In addition to a relative weight gain, this also leads to typical appearances such as the “full moon face”, a bull’s neck and reddening of the face. The above mentioned side effects are long-term effects and do not necessarily occur after the first treatment. However, therapies with cortisone injections are only useful over a longer period of time, as the effect diminishes again after a few weeks.
This means that the side effects of long-term therapy are given. The treating physician will always try to keep the dose as low as possible and as effective as possible. However, side effects can also occur over shorter periods of time, as cortisone has an immunosuppressive effect, i.e. it slows down the immune system.
This results in an increased susceptibility to infections and a possible feeling of illness. In extreme cases the therapy must be interrupted. Patients who already suffer from an autoimmune disease (such as HIV) must be treated with special caution.
Prophylaxis
Joint damage in general can be prevented by using suitable equipment, such as suitable footwear when jogging or trekking poles when hiking downhill. With obese patients, weight reduction according to a dietary plan should be considered. Furthermore, massages or a visit to an infrared heat cabin can loosen the muscles. Sports that are easy on the joints such as swimming or cycling can replace strenuous sports such as squash or jogging.