Does cortisone injection treat hand osteoarthritis?

Hand osteoarthritis affects the joints and surrounding tissues in the fingers, thumb, or wrist. Cortisone is a corticosteroid medicine placed near an irritated joint. It can calm local inflammation and make movement more comfortable while symptoms settle.

The benefit is symptom control rather than a cure. Relief can vary, and some hand pain comes mainly from mechanical joint changes rather than inflammation. A clinician may examine the painful joint and review movement, tenderness, and any imaging before deciding whether an injection fits.

Discuss the exact joint, your pattern of pain, and previous treatments with an orthopaedic or hand specialist. Treatment may also include activity changes, hand exercises, splinting, heat or cold, and medicines chosen for your health history. A guided injection can help a clinician target the intended joint.

After an injection, follow the instructions about protecting the hand and returning to activity. Do not use early pain relief as a reason to overload the joint. You can read more about [Hand Osteoarthritis](/conditions/hand-osteoarthritis/) and [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Arrange prompt medical assessment if hand pain follows an injury, the joint becomes suddenly very swollen or hot, or you cannot move a finger normally. Seek urgent help for severe pain with fever, spreading redness, marked numbness, or a finger that looks pale or blue.

Which joint is causing the symptoms, and is inflammation a major part of the pain? What improvement should I reasonably look for? What hand protection or exercises should I use afterward? Are there reasons an injection may be unsuitable for me?