Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

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2014-08-20 7:55 AM

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Subject: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

BACKGROUND  - Signed up last year for IMWI then found out that the sporadic burning in my right big toe is due to arthritis (also have a bunion there).  Decided to hold off surgery until after IM because it would've taken me out of training for 6 months and at that point the pain didn't show up in any consistent manner.  With increased run mileage and the heat of the summer the pain comes on quicker, requiring a stop every 30 minutes or so to apply biofreeze and then I can go another 30 minutes or so.  I'm a 55 year old woman and my goal is to complete the 140.6, to enjoy the journey and mark this off my bucket list. 

A friend suggested a cortisone shot to get me through IM and I'm not sure how I feel about it since I've not tried it and not sure how or if it'll work.  I'm 2 1/2 weeks out.  Since cortisone is a steroid will taking it enhance my performance?  If so, does that make me a cheater?   It looks like any side effects of the shot are minimal but is there anything else I should think about before possibly getting it?   If anyone's had a cortisone shot before a big event I sure would appreciate your thoughts.

2014-08-20 10:54 AM
in reply to: bswcpa


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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please
As far as cheating. I assume this is is on the banned list. They may be a Therapeutic Use Exemption process that you can go through to have it OK. My understanding is that as performance enhancers go it ins low on the list.
2014-08-20 11:23 AM
in reply to: bswcpa

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are the banned kind.  The problem is, the corticosteroid can make you more susceptible to injury in the short term, and for that reason I would avoid it.

2014-08-20 11:31 AM
in reply to: bswcpa

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

I've had a cortisone shot in the exact spot you're talking about (mine was a soccer injury that aggravated a bunion) because I wanted to put off surgery.  I will say that for the 24 hours directly after the injection, it hurt a lot, but then after that it did seem to help for a few months.  I didn't have a major event right after, but the shot did allow me to continue training and run a ragnar relay before I eventually got the surgery.  Good luck in the IM!!

2014-08-20 12:30 PM
in reply to: jenstewey

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

As above.  I would not get it the week before the event but it will most likely help you.  Corticosteroids are not performance enhancing drugs.  If you do not want an injection you could ask your doc for a topical anti inflammatory instead of the biofreeze

2014-08-20 2:27 PM
in reply to: Socks

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please
I'd exercise caution. I think that glucocorticoids like prednisone and cortisone are actually prohibited "in competition". Meaning I believe they must be cleared (non-detectable) from your system before competition begins. It could then depend on type of steroid and method of administration. Two weeks out is likely okay, but you can get info about clearance times from the USADA website.

Just my 2 cents.

2014-08-20 2:41 PM
in reply to: mehaner

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please
Originally posted by mehaner

Corticosteroids are not the same as anabolic steroids, which are the banned kind.  The problem is, the corticosteroid can make you more susceptible to injury in the short term, and for that reason I would avoid it.




This.
2014-08-20 3:57 PM
in reply to: jennifer_runs

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please
From the US Anti-Doping Agency's athlete's guide website (http://www.usada.org/substances/prohibited-list/athlete-guide/):

Injections of glucocorticosteroids around tendons, into joints, and epidurals (into the spine) are not prohibited, but an injection into a muscle is prohibited

You are fine to get the shot and not worry about being a "cheater."

There are personal injury concerns that others mentioned .. you might not feel the pain that would otherwise slow you down. And you could cause more damage for the future. But if you resigned to surgery later, it might be wise to do the shot. I'd certainly consider doing it if I was in your shoes. Good luck .. hope the race goes well.
2014-08-20 7:18 PM
in reply to: jeremyscarroll

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

Thanks everyone!  That's great news it's not considered a banned substance.  I made an appointment for Friday at a highly recommended podiatrist so we'll see what he has to say.  Since I'd always planned to have the surgery a month or so after IM this would be a one-shot deal if he gives me the green light.

Appreciate all your insight!

2014-08-20 7:22 PM
in reply to: bswcpa

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Subject: RE: Cortisone shot for arthritis before IM - opinions please

I have gotten steroid injection in both my knee and shoulder prior to an IM to allow me to complete the event. Get it sooner than later but go to the doc and ask questions as Sue 'socks' suggested as she is a sports Ortho and knows.

I didn't see myself as a cheater and never even considered I was a cheaters. I finished 7 minutes before midnight. I was pleased as punch that I finished given all the medical stuff I had going on.  I wasn't competing for KQ or AG podium but for myself. I even stopped and talked to my son who was at basic training while on the bike against the rules....strange how we talked to him only ever week or two for 15 minutes, and I happened to ride by my husband at IMFL at the exact time my son called...it was awesome!

Good luck and hope things calm down with your toe.

 

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