Good weather days means getting outdoors and active – whether this is hiking, gardening, walking or yoga – it feels good for the soul. For the body though, it can feel uncomfortable if you have sore joints. We always encourage healthy and active living, and though too much of it can slow you down, we are always looking for solutions to pick you back up off your feet and get you going.
Conservative care is a staple in recovery, such as exercise, stretching, rehabilitation, and footwear changes, but sometimes it is not enough. If severe enough, more significant intervention may be required at times.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone Injections are a great solution to pesky pain that won’t go away. They are one of the quickest ways to address a chronic condition and have a great success rate. Cortisone injections are often used in cases of arthritis in large joints like the knees – but in the feet, they are useful for conditions such as plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, as well as for arthritis in those smaller joints too. As with every treatment, there are pros and cons to consider.
Benefits to Cortisone Injections
- Rapid Pain Relief – Often reduces pain within days, or even hours of the injection.
- Reduces Inflammation – Targets inflammation more effectively than oral medications.
- Minimally Invasive – No surgery required.
- Improves Function – Restores mobility. Allowing better participation in physical therapy or daily activities.
- Diagnostic Use – Can be used to pinpoint a problem.
Risks of Cortisone Injections
- Temporary Relief – Effects may last weeks to a few months, not permanent.
- Risk of Tissue Damage – Many and numerous repeated injections can weaken tendons, ligaments, or joint cartilage. May cause fat pad atrophy or skin thinning.
- Risk of Pain flare-up post-injection.
- Risk of Skin discoloration, bruising, bleeding, or infection.
- Masking Symptoms – May hide ongoing damage or delay appropriate treatment if relied on too heavily.
- Slight temporary rise in blood sugar, especially in diabetics.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology Taping is another alternative that has seen great success with athletes, though often under-utilized by the general public. As a much more conservative treatment, it has minimal side effects and is safer than alternatives. Tape is utilized on the body to imitate the function of tendons and ligaments, and support the body external from the outside instead of from within.
On the feet, we see kinesiology taping used for conditions such as:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Posterior tibial tendon dysfunction
- Bunions
- Turf toe
Experience the BioPed Difference
Here at BioPed clinics, we have trained Chiropodists who are experienced with all sorts of modalities to treat your pain, including but not limited to corticosteroid injections and kinesiology taping.
With an assessment, they will help to figure out your conditions and solutions, and tackle the issue with a personalized treatment plan. Book an appointment today to get expert care for your feet!
