What Are Cortisone Injections?

Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that mimics the natural hormone cortisol produced by your body’s adrenal glands. When injected directly into an inflamed area, cortisone helps to reduce swelling, relieve pain, and improve mobility.

In the feet, cortisone injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Morton’s neuroma (nerve pain between the toes)
• Arthritis in the midfoot or big toe joint
• Bursitis and tendon inflammation
• Capsulitis (inflammation around a joint)

How a Chiropodist Uses Cortisone Injections

A Chiropodist is a Foot Specialist in Ontario trained to assess and provide treatment and management of acute and chronic foot pain. After assessing your symptoms and confirming the source of pain, your Chiropodist may recommend a cortisone injection if other non-invasive methods have not provided enough relief.

The procedure is quick and minimally invasive. The area is cleaned, and a small amount of cortisone—often combined with a local anaesthetic—is injected into the affected site. The goal is to calm inflammation and allow your body to heal naturally.

What to Expect After the Injection

Many people notice relief within a few days, though it may take up to a week for the full effect. It’s normal to experience mild soreness or a “steroid flare” (temporary increase in pain) for 24–48 hours after the injection. Your Chiropodist may recommend rest, ice, or reduced activity during this time.

Potential Side Effects and Risks

While cortisone injections are generally safe when administered by a trained Chiropodist, it’s important to understand the possible side effects and rare complications.

Common, short-term side effects may include:

• Mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site
• Temporary flare-up of pain (steroid flare)
• Skin or fat thinning at the injection site
• A change in skin colour (lightening or darkening)

Less common but potential complications include:

• Infection at the injection site (rare)
• Tendon weakening or rupture if injected too close to a tendon
• Increased blood sugar levels, especially in patients with diabetes
• Allergic reaction to the medication (rare)
• Recurrent pain if underlying biomechanical or structural causes are not addressed

Your Chiropodist will review your medical history, current medications, and foot structure to ensure the injection is performed safely and appropriately.

Long-Term Considerations

Cortisone injections are highly effective for reducing inflammation, but they are not a cure for the underlying cause of foot pain. Most Chiropodists will combine injections with a long-term treatment plan — such as custom orthotics, footwear advice, stretching programs, or physical therapy — to prevent recurrence. Repeated injections in the same site are usually limited, as excessive cortisone use can weaken soft tissues over time.

When to See a Chiropodist

If foot pain is limiting your daily life and conservative measures haven’t worked, consulting a BioPed Chiropodist is the next step. They can assess the problem, discuss all treatment options — including whether a cortisone injection is suitable — and create a personalized plan to keep you comfortably on your feet.

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