A new study confirmed something I've suspected for some time. Getting a shot to relieve pain may not resolve the issue. CNN reports that 8% of patients receiving steroid injections may have serious side effects from them. But they go on to say that it's really about patient preference. Sure, you might need to get a knee replacement later, but you'll have less pain now. Really? Patients are qualified to make that sort of long-term, life-changing decision? Isn't that what we have doctors for? If my mechanic asked me if I wanted sawdust injected into my engine because it would help it run smoother now but I might need another engine later, I wouldn't know how to make that decision. How is a patient supposed to decide if the short term benefits outweigh the long term risk? That's why they pay the doctor the big bucks. Claiming that it's patient preference really means that doctors can keep racking up the injections until research proves conclusively that p...