Does an orthopedic surgeon perform a cortisone injection?

A cortisone injection is a corticosteroid medicine placed near an inflamed joint, bursa, or tendon sheath. The goal is to reduce inflammation and make movement or rehabilitation easier; it does not correct every structural cause of pain. The clinician identifies the target by examination and may use ultrasound or another imaging method when precise placement is needed. Tell the orthopedic surgeon about diabetes, infection, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, and previous injections. The timing and number of injections depend on the body area, diagnosis, and your response.

Arrange an evaluation when pain is limiting movement or sleep and you want to understand the cause. Do not stop blood thinners or other prescribed medicines without instructions. Ask what temporary soreness may occur, how to protect the area, when to resume exercise, and whether physiotherapy or activity changes should accompany the injection. Monitor symptoms and follow the clinician’s specific aftercare advice.

Seek urgent advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, severe escalating pain, or new weakness after an injection. Sudden breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or widespread hives may indicate a serious reaction and needs emergency help. New loss of circulation or sensation in the treated limb also requires prompt assessment.

Ask what diagnosis the injection is intended to treat, where the medicine will be placed, whether imaging guidance is useful, and what alternatives are available. Discuss expected timing of relief, activity restrictions, blood sugar monitoring if relevant, and when another review is needed.