Cortisone / Corticosteroid Injection

What is Cortisone?

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.

Why Inject Cortisone?

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

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.

Conditions Treated with Cortisone Injections

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

Common Side Effects

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.

How Many Cortisone Injections Can I Have?

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.

Post-Injection Care

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.

OUR APPROACH

1

ASSESSMENT

We perform a comprehensive assessment to determine whether a cortisone injection is the most suitable treatment for your condition.

2

PREPARATION

The skin is cleaned and a local anaesthetic is applied to minimise discomfort during the procedure.

3

INJECTION

Under real-time ultrasound guidance, cortisone and anaesthetic are accurately delivered to the affected area for maximum precision and safety.

4

REHABILITATION

A personalised treatment plan is provided and shared with your rehabilitation team to support your recovery and maximise long-term results.

5

MONITORING

Progress is monitored (often using a pain chart), and your treatment plan is adjusted as needed to achieve the best possible outcome.

Book your assessment today

Our comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the most effective and appropriate treatment based on their specific condition. Whether it’s an acute sports injury or chronic musculoskeletal pain, our team at GC Sports Med is dedicated to helping individuals recover and return to their active lifestyle.