Cortisone shotsare commonly used to treat joint-related problems likearthritis,tendonitis, andbursitis.
Cortisone shots can provide long-term pain relief by decreasing inflammation in joint spaces and connective tissues.
Cortisone shots are generally safe, and side effects are rare.
Verywell / Joshua Seong
Verywell / Joshua Seong
How Do Cortisone Shots Work?
Your body contains two small glands calledadrenal glandsthat produce a hormone known ascortisol.
It is classified as a corticosteroid, meaning a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
Cortisone is the man-made version of cortisol.
Corticosteroids should not be confused withanabolic steroidsthat are used to build muscle.
What Conditions Can a Cortisone Shot Treat?
Cortisone shots are commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions affecting the joints or connective tissue.
They are also sometimes given to prevent the development of nodules in people withsarcoidosis.
How Cortisone Shots Are Given
Cortisone shots are given into or around the affected tissue.
For joints, the injection is given into the joint (intra-articular injection).
For tendons, then injection is given into the tendon covering around the tendon.
For bursitis, the injection is given into the bursa.
How Often Can You Get a Cortisone Shot?
There is no hard-and-fast rule as tohow many cortisone shotsyou can get.
Still, there are limitations and risk you’re gonna wanna consider.
Repeated cortisone injections also increase the risk of side effects.
Cortisone shots are not recommended as a first-line treatment in younger people whose joints are still growing.
How Long Does a Cortisone Shot Last?
The duration and level of pain relief can vary from one person to the next.
With knee osteoarthritis, pain relief may last several months to up to a year for some people.
But anywhere from 20% to 30% will have no treatment response.
Cortisone injections are avoided around certain tendons due to the increased complication risk if the tendon ruptures.
It is a treatment for osteoarthritis.
Hyaluronic acid doesn’t reduce inflammation but may provide relief in people with knee osteoarthritis.
The main side effect is injection site pain.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Plateletsand plasma are two components of blood.
In addition to helping blood clot, they contain growth factors that play a role in the healing process.
Injectingplatelet-rich plasma (PRP)into an affected joint placed high concentrations of these growth factors into damaged joints.
PRP is made with a supply of your own blood.
The blood is placed in a centrifuge which separates the platelets and plasma from red and white blood cells.
The PRP is then given by intra-articular injection.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, side effects are rare.
Summary
Cortisone is a man-made corticosteroid that mimics the effects of cortisol.
It is typically given by injection to reduce inflammation in joints or connective tissues.
It is generally safe to use and can offer long-term relief from joint pain and swelling.
Injection site pain is the most common side effect.
Most healthcare providers limit the number of shots to three to four per year for any single joint.
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