A cortisone injection works by delivering a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected joint, tendon, or soft tissue. It helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain, often providing relief within a few days. Cortisone injections are commonly used for conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and other musculoskeletal problems to improve comfort and movement.
What Is Cortisone?
Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a key role in regulating the body’s inflammatory response. When injected directly into an affected joint or soft tissue, corticosteroids can deliver a concentrated anti-inflammatory effect far more powerful than oral medication — and with fewer systemic side effects.
The Mechanism: How Corticosteroids Reduce Pain and Inflammation
When tissue becomes injured or irritated, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response — causing redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. Corticosteroids interrupt this process at a cellular level by:
- Suppressing the production of inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins and cytokines)
- Reducing the permeability of blood vessels, which limits fluid leakage into tissues
- Decreasing the activity of immune cells that drive the inflammatory cycle
The result is a significant reduction in localised swelling and pain, often within a few days of the injection.
What Conditions Are Cortisone Injections Used For?
At Alton Pain Clinic, we use corticosteroid injections to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, and other joints
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
- Plantar fasciitis and other foot conditions
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and trigger finger
- Bursitis
Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters
At Alton Pain Clinic, all cortisone injections are performed under ultrasound guidance. This means our clinician can visualise the needle in real time as it is positioned into the precise target area — whether that is within a joint capsule, a bursa, or around a tendon.
Studies consistently show that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate than landmark-guided (blind) injections, leading to better clinical outcomes and a reduced risk of complications. It is a key part of our commitment to evidence-based, high-quality care.
Key Takeaways
✓ Cortisone is a synthetic corticosteroid that mimics the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormone
✓ It works by suppressing inflammatory chemicals and reducing swelling in the treated area
✓ Effects are localised, making it more targeted than oral anti-inflammatory medication
✓ Alton Pain Clinic uses ultrasound guidance for precise, effective injection placement
✓ Suitable for arthritis, tendinopathy, bursitis, and many other musculoskeletal conditions
This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified clinician.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cortisone injection take to work?
Most patients begin to notice an improvement within three to seven days. The local anaesthetic component, if used, may provide some immediate relief. The full anti-inflammatory benefit of the corticosteroid typically builds over the first one to two weeks.
Is a cortisone injection the same as a steroid injection?
Yes — the terms are used interchangeably. Cortisone is one type of corticosteroid (steroid) medication. When people refer to a ‘steroid injection’ for joint pain, they are almost always referring to a corticosteroid injection, not anabolic steroids used in sport.
Does a cortisone injection cure the underlying condition?
Cortisone injections treat the symptoms — particularly pain and inflammation — rather than the root cause of the condition.