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

The local anaesthetic sometimes used with the injection can make the joint feel better soon after the procedure, but that early change may fade before the cortisone begins reducing inflammation. Relief varies with the joint treated, the degree of irritation, and whether arthritis pain comes mainly from inflammation or from mechanical wear. The injection can reduce symptoms, but it does not rebuild damaged cartilage or reverse osteoarthritis.

A short-lived increase in soreness can occur after the injection. Improvement should be judged over the following days rather than by the first few hours alone.

Follow the clinician’s instructions about activity. Usually, gentle movement is preferable to testing the joint with heavy lifting, prolonged standing, or intense exercise immediately afterwards. Use a cold pack wrapped in cloth for short periods if the area is sore. Once pain settles, a planned strengthening and mobility programme can help you use the injection’s symptom relief to work on joint function.

Keep track of pain, swelling, and movement. Tell the treating clinician if there is no meaningful improvement after the expected review period, or if relief fades quickly, because the next step may involve rehabilitation or another treatment approach.

Contact the clinic promptly if pain or swelling is steadily worsening rather than settling. Seek urgent medical assessment for a hot, very swollen joint, fever, feeling faint or acutely unwell, spreading redness, or new weakness or numbness. These symptoms can need assessment for infection, a significant reaction, or another cause of joint pain.

Ask which joint structure was targeted, when you should resume your usual activities, what improvement would count as a useful response, and when the clinician wants to review you. You can also ask how physiotherapy, weight-bearing adjustments, or other osteoarthritis treatments fit into your plan.