A cortisone injection is a targeted treatment used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in your joints and soft tissues. Often recommended for conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis, cortisone injections can help restore comfort and mobility, especially when other treatments haven’t provided relief.
Common areas for injection include the knee, shoulder, hip, and plantar fascia. Whether you're considering a cortisone injection in your knee to ease joint stiffness or cortisone injection shoulder treatment to improve your range of motion, this therapy can make a can help you to move, work, and enjoy daily life.
If you're living with persistent pain or inflammation, speak with a healthcare professional to explore whether cortisone injections are right for you. Personalised care ensures the best outcome for your condition and lifestyle.
If you’re wondering what does a cortisone injection do, the answer is simple: it helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid, sometimes referred to as a steroid injection or cortisone shot. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication, used to treat swelling and irritation in your joints, tendons, and soft tissues.
During the procedure, a healthcare professional injects cortisone directly into the affected area, often guided by ultrasound or imaging for precision. The injection may include a local anaesthetic to ease discomfort during and shortly after treatment. Most patients feel relief within a few days, though the full effect can take up to a week.
Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat pain in the knee, shoulder, hip, plantar fascia, and spine. While generally safe, there may be some side effects, which your healthcare provider will discuss with you before treatment.
Recovery is usually quick, with most people returning to normal activity within 24 to 48 hours. For best results, cortisone injections are often combined with physiotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.
Learn more about Orthopaedics.
Cortisone injections are a trusted treatment for reducing inflammation and relieving pain in a range of conditions. They’re used across orthopaedics, sports medicine, and dermatology to improve mobility, comfort, and quality of life.
Cortisone injections are frequently used to treat joint pain caused by arthritis, impingement, or wear and tear. Whether it’s a cortisone injection in knee to ease swelling and stiffness, a cortisone injection shoulder to relieve pain from rotator cuff issues or frozen shoulder, or a cortisone injection hip to improve movement, these targeted treatments can offer lasting relief and help delay or avoid surgery.
Importantly, cortisone injections can also help diagnose the source of joint pain. When combined with a local anaesthetic, they provide immediate feedback:
This makes cortisone injections a valuable step before considering surgical options.
To learn more about joint conditions treated with cortisone, visit:
Shoulder impingement
Frozen shoulder
Hip pain
For conditions like tendonitis or bursitis, cortisone injections reduce inflammation around tendons and bursae - fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints. This can restore your range of movement and reduce pain during everyday activities, especially when paired with physiotherapy.
A cortisone injection for plantar fasciitis can be highly effective in reducing heel pain and inflammation. It’s often used when rest, stretching, and orthotics haven’t resolved symptoms, helping patients walk more comfortably and return to activity.
In dermatology, cortisone may be used to treat severe acne cysts or inflammatory skin conditions under specialist care. These injections help reduce swelling and speed healing in targeted areas.
Cortisone injections are typically quick, clinic-based procedures designed to deliver targeted relief with minimal disruption to your day. Here’s what to expect:
During the injection, you may experience pressure, a pinching sensation, or mild pain, especially if the area is already inflamed. Most people find the procedure tolerable and brief, with discomfort lasting only seconds.
Sensitivity varies by location. Areas with dense nerve endings or tight spaces, such as the sole of the foot (plantar fascia) or small joints in the hand, tend to be more uncomfortable. In contrast, larger joints like the knee, shoulder, or hip are generally less painful due to more room for the injection and fewer surface nerves.
Your healthcare provider will explain the process and tailor the approach to minimise discomfort and maximise benefit.
After receiving a cortisone injection, recovery is usually straightforward, but a little care goes a long way in ensuring the best outcome. Here are the answers to some common questions that patients ask.
Yes. It’s recommended to rest the injected area for 24 to 48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercise during this time to allow the medication to settle and reduce inflammation effectively.
In most cases, yes. If the injection was given in a joint that doesn’t affect your ability to operate a vehicle, such as your shoulder or hand, you can usually drive yourself home. However, if you feel lightheaded, sore, or had sedation during the procedure, it’s best to arrange transport.
Most people return to regular activities within a couple of days. Your healthcare provider may recommend a gradual increase in movement, especially if the injection was part of a broader treatment plan involving physiotherapy or rehabilitation.
For more on managing pain and recovery, visit our Pain management overview.
Many patients ask, ‘how long does it take cortisone injection to work?’ and ‘how long does a cortisone injection last?’ The answers can vary depending on the condition being treated.
For chronic conditions like arthritis, cortisone injections may be part of a broader management plan. For acute flare-ups or soft tissue injuries, a single injection may offer lasting relief.
Your healthcare provider will tailor the approach based on your symptoms, goals, and medical history.
While cortisone injections are generally safe and effective, it’s important to understand the potential risks. Like any medical treatment, there are cortisone injection side effects to consider. Most are mild and temporary, but some may require closer monitoring.
Typical side effects from a cortisone injection include:
These effects usually resolve within a few days and can be managed with rest and ice.
Though uncommon, more serious risks include:
There is concern that repeated cortisone shots might damage the cartilage within a joint. For this reason, doctors typically limit the number of injections per joint. This is often three or four per year, depending on the joint, diagnosis, and individual response. Your healthcare provider will assess the risks and benefits before recommending repeat treatments.
Cortisone injections can be a helpful way to reduce pain and swelling, especially when used carefully and alongside other treatments recommended by your healthcare provider.
If you're searching for a ‘cortisone injection near me’ or exploring ‘private cortisone injection near me’, it's helpful to understand the typical costs and care pathways available.
To ensure safe and effective treatment, look for qualified orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists, or sports medicine consultants. You can search online, ask your GP for a referral, or explore specialists at trusted providers like Ramsay Health Care.
Ramsay Health Care offers cortisone injections across its network of UK hospitals and clinics. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures:
If you're dealing with persistent or complex joint pain, consider booking a consultation at one of our hospitals across the UK. Our experienced team can help determine whether a cortisone injection is right for you and guide your recovery with tailored support.
Contact us today to speak to our friendly team for any enquries or to book a consultation or book an appointment online.
Most people experience only mild discomfort during the procedure. You may feel a brief pinch, pressure, or stinging sensation, especially if the area is already inflamed. A local anaesthetic is often used to your reduce pain. Smaller joints or sensitive areas like the sole of your foot tend to be more uncomfortable than larger joints like your knee or shoulder.
Doctors typically limit cortisone injections to three or four per year per joint, depending on your condition, response to treatment, and overall joint health. Repeated injections over time may increase the risk of cartilage damage, so your provider will weigh the benefits and risks carefully.
Injections are usually spaced out by at least six to twelve weeks, allowing time to assess their effectiveness and avoid overuse. The exact timing depends on the joint treated, your symptoms, and your broader care plan. Your specialist will guide you on the safest schedule.
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