How long does a cortisone injection take to work for elbow osteoarthritis?

Cortisone can calm inflammation inside or around an arthritic elbow. It does not rebuild worn cartilage, remove a fixed bone change, or guarantee that stiffness will disappear. Pain may ease before movement improves. Your clinician may use the response alongside examination and imaging to understand how much symptoms come from inflammation, joint surfaces, stiffness, or another problem. Learn more under [Elbow Osteoarthritis](/conditions/elbow-osteoarthritis/).

Rest the elbow according to the injection instructions, then return to movement gradually. Avoid heavy pushing, pulling, or repetitive loading until your clinician says it is appropriate. Gentle range-of-motion work may help preserve movement when prescribed. Track pain, swelling, locking, and the tasks you can perform; a pain-free spell should not be treated as permission for sudden strenuous activity. See [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) for general procedure information.

Seek prompt medical advice if pain rapidly worsens, the elbow becomes hot and swollen, or you develop fever or feel unwell. Urgent help is needed for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, or widespread hives. Arrange review for new loss of strength, inability to move the elbow, repeated locking, or symptoms that do not settle.

Ask which exercises protect movement, when to resume loading, and what will be assessed if the injection gives little or short-lived relief.