How effective is cortisone injection for knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis involves changes in the joint that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Cortisone is placed inside the joint to calm inflammation. If it helps, the improvement may make stairs, sleep, walking, or physiotherapy easier. The response is individual and may fade, while the underlying osteoarthritis remains. A lack of benefit can be useful information: another source of pain, such as a tendon or referred pain, may need consideration.

Discuss your medicines, diabetes, allergies, infection history, and previous injections before treatment. Afterward, follow the advised activity plan and watch the knee rather than testing it with strenuous exercise. Strengthening the thigh and hip, maintaining comfortable movement, managing body load, and using suitable supports can improve day-to-day function. A clinician can tailor these steps to your mobility and other health conditions.

Contact a healthcare professional urgently if the knee becomes increasingly hot, red, swollen, or painful, or if you develop fever or feel unwell after injection. Seek assessment for a locked knee, a new injury, sudden inability to stand, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask what is causing your pain, what benefit is realistic for your activities, whether your medicines or blood sugar need special planning, and what rehabilitation should follow the injection.