What to expect from a cortisone injection for elbow osteoarthritis

Elbow osteoarthritis can cause aching, stiffness, reduced bending or straightening, and sometimes catching. After checking your symptoms and skin, the clinician cleans the elbow and places a needle into or near the joint. Local anaesthetic may be used, and ultrasound guidance can help with positioning. Pressure or a short sting is possible during the procedure.

Pain may be more noticeable for a short time afterward before the anti-inflammatory effect appears. The response varies: some people gain easier movement, while others notice limited change. Mention diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, allergies, infection, or previous reactions before treatment.

Rest the elbow from heavy lifting, pushing, and repetitive work on the day of the injection. Keep ordinary gentle movement within comfort unless your clinician gives different instructions. As symptoms settle, physiotherapy can work on range of motion, forearm strength, and ways to reduce joint loading during work or sport.

Do not use improved comfort as a reason to suddenly increase activity. Note changes in night pain, grip tasks, elbow bending, and daily function. A follow-up is useful if stiffness or mechanical catching continues, because an injection cannot address every cause of restricted movement.

Get prompt medical advice for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or pain that escalates rather than settles. Seek urgent help for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, faintness, or generalized hives. Contact your clinician if the elbow becomes suddenly weak, markedly more difficult to move, or painful after an injury.

Ask whether the injection is intended for the joint or a nearby structure, how long to modify lifting, when therapy should begin, and what options remain if relief is short-lived.