Which specialist performs cortisone injection?

The clinician first identifies the likely pain source and decides whether an anti-inflammatory injection fits the diagnosis. The target may be a joint, tendon sheath, bursa, or another inflamed structure. Examination and, when useful, ultrasound or other imaging can help guide the decision and improve accuracy.

The clinician will review allergies, infection near the injection site, diabetes, blood-thinning medicines, pregnancy, immune conditions, and previous injections. Cortisone can reduce inflammation for some problems, but it does not repair every cause of pain and may not be suitable for a tendon or joint in every situation.

Bring a list of medicines and describe previous injections, operations, allergies, and any fever or skin infection. Ask whether the injection will be guided, what activity limits apply afterward, and how the result will affect the longer-term treatment plan.

Follow the clinician’s instructions about rest and gradual return to activity. Mild soreness can occur after an injection, but increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or feeling unwell should be reported promptly. The linked treatment overview provides more information about cortisone injection.

Contact the treating service promptly if pain becomes severe rather than settling, the area becomes increasingly hot or swollen, or you develop fever after the injection. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty, facial swelling, fainting, sudden limb weakness, or a rapidly spreading rash.

Ask: What structure is causing my symptoms? Why is cortisone suitable for me? What benefit and time course should I expect? Would physiotherapy, medication, or another approach address the cause? What activity restrictions and warning signs apply afterward?