What Is a Cortisone Injection Done With?

The main medicine is a corticosteroid, which is intended to reduce inflammation around a painful joint, tendon or other target. A local anaesthetic may be added to numb the area briefly and can provide early information about whether the targeted structure is contributing to pain. The exact medicines and amount depend on the body area, the diagnosis and the clinician’s protocol.

The injection is delivered with sterile technique, often after the skin is cleaned carefully. Imaging guidance may be used for some targets. The injection does not restore damaged cartilage or guarantee that pain will not return.

Tell the clinician about allergies, diabetes, infection, blood-thinning medicines, pregnancy and earlier injections. Ask whether you should change any medicine or activity beforehand. Afterward, follow instructions about rest, driving and exercise; avoid testing the treated area with strenuous activity simply because it feels better at first.

Keep track of pain, movement and any skin or wound change. A follow-up helps decide whether physiotherapy, activity changes or another treatment should be added.

Call the treating clinic for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever or severe pain at the injection site. Ask for prompt advice about a major blood-sugar change, new weakness or an unusual reaction. Seek emergency help for breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat.

Ask which medicines will be used, why a local anaesthetic is being considered, what sensations are normal afterward, how long to modify activity, and when the result should be reviewed.