In this Article

• Introduction to impingement syndrome
• What are the symptoms of shoulder impingement syndrome?
• How is impingement syndrome diagnosed?
• How is shoulder impingement syndrome treated?
• What side effects are associated with impingement syndrome treatment?
• Impingement Syndrome Glossary
• Impingement Syndrome Index

What Side Effects are Associated With Treatment?

Upset stomach, indigestion and headaches are the most common side effects of oral anti-inflammatory medications. However, taking these medications after meals or with food can help reduce stomach upset. Anti-inflammatory medicines also can cause vomiting, constipation and bleeding in the stomach (ulcers), although these side effects are not common.

Side effects of cortisone shots depend on the dose and frequency of the injections. Unlike cortisone pills, occasional cortisone injections rarely cause serious side effects. However, possible side effects of cortisone include elevated blood sugar, a decrease in the body's resistance to infection, weight gain, osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), thinning of the skin and raised blood pressure.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases.
Edited by Michael W. Smith, MD, Sept. 2003.

Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2003.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - Describes Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever.
• Shoulder Bursitis - Learn about shoulder bursitis causes (injury, infection), symptoms (pain, inflammation, swelling), diagnosis, and treatment (physical therapy, surgery).

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