How effective is cortisone injection for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can affect a joint's cartilage, bone, lining, and surrounding tissues. An injection places anti-inflammatory medicine into a painful joint and may reduce swelling or irritation. Some people move more comfortably afterward, which can support physiotherapy and daily activities. Improvement may be limited or short-lived, and pain can also come from muscles, tendons, or a nearby nerve rather than the joint alone.

A clinician should match the injection to the painful joint and review previous treatments, medicines, diabetes, allergies, and infection risk. Follow the recommended rest and gradual return to activity. Longer-term care may include joint-friendly strengthening, mobility work, pacing, weight-management support where relevant, walking aids, or other pain strategies. Record which activities improve or worsen symptoms so the plan can be adjusted.

Seek urgent medical advice for fever, a hot or red joint, rapidly increasing swelling, severe new pain, or feeling unwell after injection. Get assessed after a fall or if the joint suddenly gives way, locks, or cannot bear weight. Ongoing pain deserves review rather than repeated injections without reassessing the cause.

Ask which joint structure is producing symptoms, how the injection fits your broader plan, what activity limits apply afterward, and which signs would mean you should contact the clinic.