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Lead Stories: Monday, December 1, 2008

ASK FLASH: “Get me to the starting line!” (Tapering and Cortisone Shots)

Posted April 2nd, 2007 at 3:00 PM by Joshua Flash Gordon

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Columns, Training Tips, Ask Flash

Need advice? Injured? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? ASK FLASH!
ASK FLASH is a free advice column to help you with all of your running, fitness and nutrition inquiries. To ASK FLASH — simply fill out the form at the conclusion of the column.

Since the Boston Marathon is just around the corner (about two weeks), let’s deal with a couple of time-sensitive questions about getting to the starting line on the big day.

Q. I have been training for the Boston Marathon for the past few months and during a 20 mile run last week I developed pain on the inside of my right knee. I was diagnosed with Pes Anserine Bursitis and told to take anti-inflammatory medication, ice, and stretch. I was also offered a cortisone shot, but, did not get one because I don’t know too much about them. Could you please give me your opinion on cortisone shots? The marathon is in two weeks and I would love to run it pain free!
~ Just Shoot Me in Wounded Knee, South Dakota

A. So, you got yourself a case of the Goosefoot Bursitis, huh? I must confess that in the past I have always refused offers for cortisone shots. So, I am probably a little biased against them. Maybe I’m just afraid of the needles.

Another concern that I have is the stated risk of weakening the tendon. However, many studies and articles seem to support cortisone shots as a safe and highly effective option for the type of inflammation that you are battling.
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Are cortisone injections safe?

Posted December 11th, 2006 at 8:01 PM by Hariz Siddiqui

Section: Running & Training, Injury & Rehab, Health & Fitness, Injury & Rehab

Doctors often inject cortisone-type medications into painful damaged joints and tendons. Single injections can relieve pain and swelling and appear to be safe, but many studies show that repeated injections can damage joints and delay healing. Most doctors will recommend having no more than three injections into the same joint in a lifetime.
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