Does cortisone injection treat elbow osteoarthritis?

Elbow osteoarthritis can make bending, straightening, or rotating the forearm uncomfortable. The joint may feel stiff after rest, and a rough or narrowed joint space can limit movement. Cortisone delivered into the joint may reduce inflammation around the arthritic surfaces and make activity more comfortable for a period. It cannot rebuild cartilage or remove a fixed loss of motion. Before recommending an injection, a clinician considers the examination, imaging when needed, the severity of symptoms, and other conditions that can cause elbow pain.

Use the elbow within a comfortable range and reduce activities that repeatedly load it, such as forceful pushing, pulling, or prolonged gripping. A physiotherapist can suggest mobility exercises and ways to strengthen the arm without repeatedly irritating the joint. Pain relief medicines may be suitable for some people but can be unsafe with certain medical conditions or medicines. If symptoms continue despite these measures, ask whether an injection is appropriate, how it will be guided, and what alternatives are available.

Book an assessment for persistent elbow pain, increasing stiffness, or difficulty using the arm for work or self-care. Seek urgent care after an injection if worsening redness, warmth, swelling, severe pain, fever, or feeling unwell develops. Sudden inability to move the elbow, new weakness or numbness in the hand, or significant swelling after an injury warrants prompt evaluation.

Ask what is limiting your elbow movement, whether imaging is needed, what benefit an injection is expected to provide, whether it could affect nearby nerves or tendons, and which exercises or activities should follow it.