I was dreading my last cortisone injection. I got myself all set, closed my eyes and tried to go to a happy place. A few small pricks and some managable pain and the doc was all done! I asked why this round was so less painful than the last series at another office. She explained that most of the pain from a cortisone injection comes from injectioin of fluid into an already inflamed area. The added fluid creates more pressure and pain. She told me she uses a special concentrated version of cortisone. Less fluid, less pressure, less pain. So, if your due for a round of injections be sure to ask about the concentrated version of the cortisone. If they don't know what you are talking about---ask why they don't know what your talking about!