A cortisone shot is an anti-inflammatory treatment delivered directly into an inflamed area, such as a joint, tendon, or bursa. The injection typically contains a corticosteroid medication, a synthetic version of the naturally occurring anti-inflammatory hormone cortisol. This drug is often mixed with a local anesthetic, which provides immediate, though very short-lived, pain relief. Cortisone shots are used to manage inflammation and pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions, including arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. The primary purpose of this treatment is to reduce swelling and discomfort, allowing a person to participate in physical therapy or resume daily activities with less pain.
Typical Duration of Pain Relief
The sustained pain relief from a cortisone injection generally lasts for a period ranging from six weeks to several months. Many patients report a benefit that continues for approximately three to six months, though this is highly variable depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is important to note that the local anesthetic provides immediate numbness and relief, but this effect typically wears off within a few hours.
The true therapeutic action, stemming from the corticosteroid itself, is not instantaneous but rather builds up over time. This medication works by suppressing the localized inflammatory response, a process that takes days to fully take effect. Once the corticosteroid begins its work, the resulting pain reduction can be significant, offering a window of opportunity for improved mobility and function. The temporary nature of the relief means the shot is considered a management tool rather than a permanent cure for underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic tendinopathy.
Factors That Affect How Long the Shot Lasts
Several factors influence whether a person will experience pain relief on the shorter or longer end of the expected duration. The anatomical location of the injection is one major variable. Injections into larger, weight-bearing joints like the knee or shoulder may sometimes provide a longer duration of relief compared to injections in smaller tendons or bursae. The severity of the underlying condition also plays a significant role. Individuals with highly advanced or chronic inflammation may find the pain returns sooner than those with less severe or more acute conditions.
Patient-specific factors dictate how the medication is processed and utilized by the body. A person’s metabolic rate and overall activity level can affect how quickly the corticosteroid is absorbed and eliminated from the joint space. Placing significant, high-impact stress on the injected area soon after the procedure may also shorten the beneficial duration. Furthermore, different formulations of corticosteroids exist, with some designed as short-acting solutions while others are long-acting suspensions, which influence the length of time the drug remains active in the local tissue.
Onset of Action and Frequency Limits
After the immediate numbing effect of the anesthetic wears off, the patient must wait for the corticosteroid component to reduce inflammation, which typically takes between two and seven days to provide noticeable pain reduction. During this initial period, some individuals may experience a temporary increase in pain known as a “cortisone flare.” This flare is caused by the body’s reaction to the crystallization of the steroid medication at the injection site and usually resolves on its own within 24 to 48 hours.
Because of the temporary nature of the relief, many people wonder about the limitations on repeat treatments. Most healthcare providers adhere to a general guideline of limiting injections to no more than three or four in the same specific location per year. This restriction exists because repeated exposure to corticosteroids can potentially lead to adverse effects, such as weakening of local tissues, including tendons and cartilage. It is generally recommended to space out injections in the same joint by a minimum of three months, or twelve weeks, to minimize the risk of complications and allow the tissue to recover.