Runner's World reporter Amanda Brooks writes about the potential dangers of runners receiving cortisone shots to treat knee pain.

Jordan D. Metzl, MD, primary care sports medicine physician at HSS, said pain relief from a cortisone injection could last anywhere from six weeks to six months, depending on the strength of the injection and how your body metabolizes the steroid.

Although cortisone injections typically reduce inflammation, a recent study suggested that those who receive an injection every three months during the course of two years suffered significant cartilage loss.

"I recommend no more than one cortisone injection into the joint per year and only if done in conjunction with a targeted strength-training regimen to address the underlying cause of pain," Dr. Metzl advised.

Read the full article at RunnersWorld.com. This also appeared in the April 2018 print issue.