When is cortisone injection recommended for knee osteoarthritis?

Knee osteoarthritis can irritate the joint lining and produce aching, stiffness, and fluid-related swelling. Cortisone is a corticosteroid medicine placed inside the joint to calm inflammation. It is not automatically suitable for every painful knee: infection, poorly controlled diabetes, skin problems near the injection site, medicine interactions, or another cause of pain can change the decision. Relief varies and may wear off, so the injection is usually part of a wider plan involving activity adjustment, strengthening, weight management when relevant, and pain relief advice.

Arrange an assessment if knee pain is restricting ordinary activities or exercise. Bring a list of medicines and explain previous injections, allergies, diabetes, blood-thinning treatment, and any recent illness. Ask whether physiotherapy, a walking aid, supportive footwear, or another pain strategy should come first. After an injection, follow the clinician’s instructions about activity and watch the site for increasing redness, warmth, drainage, or worsening pain.

Seek prompt medical care for a hot, very swollen knee, fever, rapidly worsening pain, inability to bear weight, or a new injury with deformity. After an injection, urgent assessment is needed if severe pain, spreading redness, fever, or feeling markedly unwell develops. These features can signal a problem needing examination rather than routine arthritis care.

Ask what finding makes an injection reasonable, what benefit is realistic for your daily activities, and which alternatives should be tried or continued. Also ask how your medical conditions and medicines affect timing, what aftercare is expected, and when persistent symptoms would warrant another review.