Does cortisone injection treat osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects the tissues of a joint and may lead to aching, stiffness, swelling, and reduced function. Cortisone is delivered into the painful joint to calm inflammation. It may create a window in which movement and rehabilitation feel easier, but the response is individual and not a cure. Treatment planning depends on the joint involved, examination findings, mobility, general health, and how symptoms affect everyday tasks.

Have the painful joint assessed before an injection is chosen. Share your medicines and medical history, including diabetes, infection, immune problems, blood-thinning treatment, or a planned procedure. Ask how to protect the joint while pain is settling and how to resume strengthening, flexibility, and functional exercises. Helpful care may also include pacing, supportive equipment, and changes to activities that repeatedly aggravate the joint.

Get prompt medical advice for a joint that becomes hot, very swollen, or increasingly painful, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Urgent help is needed for sudden severe pain after an injury, marked weakness, or inability to use the limb. Book a review when persistent symptoms interfere with work, sleep, or self-care.

Ask which joint findings support osteoarthritis, what benefit to expect, how rehabilitation will continue, and which alternatives are appropriate if the response is limited.