At Trimarni, we are against cortisone injections until it is a very last resort after months of seeking other (less invasive) treatments. A steroid shot is usually not a treatment for an underlying issue. It's usually a masking agent for pain. Even when it helps with inflammation, it's not treating the underlying issue. More so, research tells us that there are many severe side effects from cortisone injections, such as nerve damage, joint infection, thinking of skin and soft tissue near the injection sight, bone weakening (contributing to osteoporosis), bone death, and tendon weakening or rupture. Corticosteroids also suppress the immune system. So with hearing those side effects, please avoid steroid injections.
While you may be familiar with cortisone injections, there are other glucocorticoids that can be prescribed via mouth, inhaler, intranasal spray, eye drops, topically and by injection:
- Prednisone
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasone
Doctors routinely prescribe corticosteroids for common conditions like injuries, asthma and allergies but you may be surprised to learn that many forms of these drugs are banned under anti-doping rules and require a therapeutic-use exemption.
- A triamcinolone acetonide injection may be prescribed for knee pain/osteoarthritis. According to WADA, a TUE is needed if receiving a triamcinolone acetonide injection within 10 days of competition. However, because some joint/tendon injection procedures may accidentally result in some intramuscular injection/absorption, a TUE for Triamcinolone acetonid is needed within 60 days of competition.
- The prescription of oral glucocorticoids (pills) is used for inflammation, arthritis, asthma and allergies. According to WADA, a TUE is needed if consuming oral glucocorticoids within 3 days of competition.
While athletes may understand anti-doping rules when it comes to the widely discussed drugs like EPO, testosterone and growth hormone, it can't be stressed enough that it is your responsibility to understand all anti-doping policies, rules and regulations and to think before you act/buy when it comes to medications, injections, pills and creams.
Resources such as USADA can and the World Anti Doping Agency can help you identify products that are safe and effective or that violate a doping code. Check your sport doping code every year to recognize what substances are prohibited in and out of competition.
2023 Prohibited List
Recognize the Red Flags
High Risk Supplement List
TUE process
And lastly, even if you aren't a front pack athlete, you are not trying to qualify for the World Championship or you are just participating in sport for fun, you do not get an exemption from WADA. When you register for an event, you must comply with anti-doping rules - no matter your fitness level. These rules are not just for performance but for your health and wellbeing.
Resources such as USADA can and the World Anti Doping Agency can help you identify products that are safe and effective or that violate a doping code. Check your sport doping code every year to recognize what substances are prohibited in and out of competition.
2023 Prohibited List
Recognize the Red Flags
High Risk Supplement List
TUE process
And lastly, even if you aren't a front pack athlete, you are not trying to qualify for the World Championship or you are just participating in sport for fun, you do not get an exemption from WADA. When you register for an event, you must comply with anti-doping rules - no matter your fitness level. These rules are not just for performance but for your health and wellbeing.