Just because prednisone
is a corticosteroid does not mean it is a performance enhancer. In
fact, the exact opposite is true. When athletes suffer injuries that
cause inflammation, this drug can be administered to reduce the
inflammation and help heal the injured area.
Corticosteroid versus Anabolic Steroids
Corticosteroids
have absolutely no involvement in muscle growth. Rather, they are used
to better regulate responses from the immune system. This type of
medication is used to promote healing by eliminating inflammatory
reactions in the body. Anabolic steroids are man-made hormones that are
intended to promote muscle growth. Athletes use these substances to
get an edge over their competitors. Anabolic steroids are prohibited in
all organized sports.
Why Athletes Use Corticosteroids
Team
physicians and personal doctors may prescribe corticosteroids to treat
damage to muscles and joints that occurs after strenuous physical
exertion. Depending on the exact injury, the accompanying inflammation
can be so severe that doctors are unable to ascertain the extent of the
actual injury. Using this medication can alleviate the inflammation so a
proper diagnose can be made as well as a treatment plan to heal the
injury. Once the inflammation is removed, the area should be able to
function better.
Additionally, athletes with severe allergies
may be prescribed the drug to manage symptoms during competition.
Pollen is especially problematic for athletes who compete in outdoor
sports. As long as the ruling athletic regulations permit use of this
drug, it can be very beneficial to athletes.
Corticosteroid Use and Organized Sports
Use
of this drug is permitted as long as it has not been banned by the
sport’s regulatory council. This holds true for professional as well as
high school sports. For example, the National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) permits use of the drug while it is banned at the
Olympics. One reason for the ban of such drugs is because their side
effects can be very serious. In particular, long-term use of the drug
can cause permanent damage. You need to know the rules of your
particular sport before using a corticosteroid in any form.
Prednisone
shots can help certain sports injuries but should only be administered
by a physician. If you want to remain eligible to play sports, it is
necessary for you to have a full understanding of your sport’s rules and
regulations. There are certain sports that have banned the use of the
drug, and you should avoid the drug if your sport has such a ban in
place.
Athletes can use corticosteroids to relieve pain from sport injures and inflammation