I guess I'm in a different camp as far as this is concerned. Definitely ask your physician, but if you're getting them then you've likely had that discussion with them. I don't think it hurts to compare notes with others in a similar situation. Maybe my doctor has a different take on it than your doctor, that's why they're "practicing", they're not perfect.

I've had a few, and my orthopedic surgeon told me that overtime they will break down the cartilage (sp? I always have problems witht hat one..LOL). But they also help with breaking down scar tissue (something I have a lot of) so in the short term they can be beneficial but not something you'd want to do long term. Are you taking glucosamine? That may also help but just like a cortizone injection, it works for some and not so much for others.