Does cortisone injection help with shoulder pain?

Shoulder pain may arise from an irritated tendon, inflamed bursa, stiff joint, arthritis, or an injury. A targeted corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation in a selected area and may make everyday movement more comfortable. It does not mend a torn tendon or restore strength by itself. A physical examination helps distinguish the shoulder structures involved and guides whether an injection is sensible.

Tell the clinician how the pain began, which movements provoke it, and whether you have weakness, numbness, diabetes, infection, or previous injections. If an injection is chosen, follow the advised period of relative rest and then rebuild movement gradually. Rehabilitation may help preserve the improvement and address strength or stiffness.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe shoulder pain after an injury, a visibly deformed shoulder, a cold or pale arm, new loss of strength or sensation, chest symptoms, or fever with a hot swollen area. After injection, report worsening redness, warmth, drainage, severe pain, or fever.

Ask which shoulder structure is being treated, whether imaging or another test is needed, what activity limits apply, and what exercises can safely follow the injection.