How often have you heard a family member or friend complain about pain in their knee or another joint? They then go to the doctor, desperate for the relief found in what they believe is the “cure-all”—a cortisone shot into the joint. And suddenly, they think all is well in the world. But is it?

According to the Arthritis Foundation, an estimated 30 million Americans have osteoarthritis. A chronic condition, osteoarthritis impacts the joints with cartilage loss, inflammation, swelling, and pain. And one of the most common therapies utilized by those suffering is a corticosteroid injection, like cortisone. In fact, in one study of more than 16,500 patients who underwent knee or hip replacement therapy, half had received corticosteroid injections within the prior two years.