Intermittent cortisone injection for treatment of osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive lung disease

Osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) are conditions where the pharmacological treatment is focused on retardation of disease progression and symptom alleviation. In osteoarthritis, degenerative changes in bone and cartilage of the joints can lead to impaired function and pain. COPD is characterized by the reduction of respiratory capacity and lung function, due to degeneration of the alveoli and inflammation of the small bronchi.

Cortisone belongs to a group of pharmaceuticals called glucocorticoids. This compound has been used for more than 50 years to treat inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and allergy.