Cortisone is part of a group of medications called corticosteroids — powerful anti-inflammatory drugs used to reduce swelling and pain.
In musculoskeletal medicine, local injections are commonly used to deliver targeted relief directly to the affected area.
These injections are effective for treating both musculoskeletal and general inflammatory conditions.
When taken orally or through IV, corticosteroids circulate throughout the entire body, leading to potential unwanted side effects. A local cortisone injection allows for a high concentration of the medication to be delivered directly to the site of inflammation. This method is generally well tolerated and minimizes systemic side effects.
Cortisone as a Diagnostic Tool
In addition to pain relief, cortisone injections can help confirm a diagnosis. If symptoms improve after a precisely placed injection, it suggests that the targeted area is the true source of pain — a valuable insight when multiple structures may be involved.
Cortisone injections can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in a wide range of conditions, including:
Joint Problems – Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis
Tendon Conditions – Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis/golfer’s elbow
Bursitis – Trochanteric, subacromial, prepatellar bursitis
Nerve-Related Pain – Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome
Disc Issues – Herniated or degenerative spinal discs
Other Inflammatory Conditions – Where reducing local inflammation provides relief
Cortisone injections are generally safe, but like any medical procedure, they carry some risks. These may include:
Allergic Reactions
Mild reactions to cortisone, anaesthetics, antiseptics, latex, or adhesives are rare but possible.
Post-Injection Activation
Temporary facial flushing, alertness, or trouble sleeping may occur within 24 hours. This usually resolves without treatment.
Skin Changes
Bruising or discoloration can occur, particularly with more superficial injections.
Infection (~1 in 10,000)
Symptoms may appear 48+ hours post-injection (redness, warmth, pain, fever). Seek urgent care if these occur.
Tendon Rupture Risk
Direct tendon injections may weaken the tissue. Ultrasound guidance helps reduce this risk.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations
In people with diabetes, cortisone may cause short-term increases in blood glucose. Monitoring is advised for a few days.
Cortisone injections can provide effective short-term pain relief, typically lasting up to six weeks. However, repeated injections should be used cautiously. Too much cortisone can weaken tendons and damage joint cartilage over time.
If pain continues despite one or two injections, it’s important to reassess the diagnosis and consider alternative treatment options.
To get the best results from your cortisone injection and reduce the risk of complications:
Rest the area for 48 hours — avoid strenuous activity and rehab exercises.
Resume activity gradually, depending on your condition. Gentle strengthening may begin after 48 hours.
Attend your follow-up to monitor progress and guide next steps.
If you’re unsure about when or how to return to activity, our doctors can provide personalised advice.
ASSESSMENT
We perform a comprehensive assessment to determine whether a cortisone injection is the most suitable treatment for your condition.
PREPARATION
The skin is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure.
INJECTION
Under real-time ultrasound guidance, cortisone and anaesthetic are accurately delivered to the affected area for maximum precision and safety.
REHABILITATION
A personalised treatment plan is provided and shared with your rehabilitation team to support your recovery and maximise long-term results.
MONITORING
Progress is monitored (often using a pain chart), and your treatment plan is adjusted as needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
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