Ask the Fight Doc: What role do cortisone shots play in MMA, and are they safe?

Dr. Johnny BenjaminCortisone shots have long been a treatment staple for sports physicians, but to many combat-sports fans, they still remain something of a mystery.

In fact, some fans know nothing of the shots while others laud them as a harmless cure-all painkiller.

But in our latest “Ask the Fight Doc” installment, MMAjunkie.com medical columnist Dr. Johnny Benjamin explains why cortisone isn’t actually a painkiller, how the shots can help athletes, who should administer them, and what kind of side effects can develop.


Dr. Johnny BenjaminCortisone shots have long been a treatment staple for sports physicians, but to many combat-sports fans, they still remain something of a mystery.

In fact, some fans know nothing of the shots while others laud them as a harmless cure-all painkiller.

But in our latest “Ask the Fight Doc” installment, MMAjunkie.com medical columnist Dr. Johnny Benjamin explains why cortisone isn’t actually a painkiller, how the shots can help athletes, who should administer them, and what kind of side effects can develop.