How long does cortisone injection take to work for golfer's elbow?

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons that attach muscles to the inner side of the elbow. Cortisone can calm local inflammation and make ordinary tasks more comfortable, but it does not instantly repair an irritated tendon. Soreness at the injection site may briefly obscure the benefit.

Pain during gripping, lifting, or wrist-bending may settle before the elbow feels dependable under load. A short period of comfort should not be treated as permission to return suddenly to the activity that triggered symptoms.

Use the aftercare instructions from your clinician and reduce painful gripping, forceful wrist flexion, and repeated throwing or swinging. Keep the elbow moving gently unless you were told otherwise. When symptoms allow, a physiotherapist can guide a progressive strengthening programme for the forearm rather than relying on the injection alone.

Note which tasks provoke pain and whether your grip is becoming easier. If improvement is small or fades quickly, ask for reassessment of the diagnosis and rehabilitation plan. See [Golfer’s Elbow](/conditions/golfers-elbow/) and [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) for related information.

Get prompt medical advice if the injection site becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or begins draining, or if you develop fever or feel unwell. Seek urgent care for sudden major weakness, spreading numbness, or severe pain that is worsening instead of settling.

Ask which activities to pause, when forearm exercises can begin, and how to judge a safe return to work or sport. Clarify what to do if the injection helps briefly, and whether another treatment is more suitable for persistent tendon pain.