Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Often can I Have Cortisone Injections?

Misty Wiser
Misty Wiser

Cortisone injections are usually given no more than four times a year per affected joint. Most physicians recommend a space of at least three months between injections. If the injections are not providing significant relief from the pain in the joint, they are generally discontinued as a treatment option. Injections of cortisone are not given prior to surgery, as they can cause a decrease in the immune response and increase the length of the recovery period.

Cortisone treatments are prescribed to reduce the amount of inflammation in the joint. Cortisone is not a painkiller; the pain relieving benefits of the steroidal medication are related to its ability to reduce inflammation in the joint. The inflammation is what irritates the surrounding tissue and causes the joint pain to occur. The cortisone in the shot is usually mixed with a numbing agent to decrease the pain felt when the medication is injected into the body. There are many types of cortisone used for the treatment of joint pain, and physicians will choose which cortisone to use based on the joint being treated.

Cortisone injections may be given up to four times a year per affected joint.
Cortisone injections may be given up to four times a year per affected joint.

Cortisone injections can cause a decrease the immune response, so people with lowered immune systems are not typically good candidates for the treatment. Physicians are not likely to prescribe injections of cortisone for long-term therapy, as repeated use of the steroid may cause damage to the cartilage of the joint. The steroid shots are most often given for conditions such as osteoarthritis, carpel tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have reported benefits from cortisone injections, noting a decrease in the pain felt in their joints.

Cortisone injections may be given to individuals suffering from carpel tunnel.
Cortisone injections may be given to individuals suffering from carpel tunnel.

Side effects of frequent cortisone shots may include a thinning of the soft tissue around the joint being treated. The skin around the injection site may become a lighter color, and a thinning of the skin may become noticeable. If the cortisone shot is given too close to a nerve, the nerve may lose the ability to function properly; there also may be a non-stop tingling for a few days or even a lasting pain emanating from the nerve.

Cortisone and steroids.
Cortisone and steroids.

When the cortisone injections are given too often, there have been reported cases of bone death near the joint being treated. A thinning of the nearby bone, tissue, and tendons are another known risk of cortisone shots. Diabetics receiving injections of cortisone may notice an increase in their blood sugar levels because the cortisone delays the natural absorption of the sugars into their tissues. The increase is not usually enough to discourage the treatment of joint pain with cortisone injections, however.

Discussion Comments

anon1001582

I had a very high blood pressure and severe headaches for about a week after the cortisone injection.

serenesurface

@turkay1-- There is no exact rule about cortisone injections. You can get them as frequently as your doctor sees fit but most doctors like to wait three months for the next injection.

If your first cortisone injection doesn't work though, what makes you think that the second or third one will? In my opinion, cortisone either works or doesn't. I also know from experience that getting cortisone injections at the same part of the body over and over again is not a good idea. It can cause muscle weakness and tissue damage in the long run.

At the end of the day though, it's your and your doctor's decision.

bear78

@turkay1-- It can take some time for cortisone injections to become fully effective and the pain relief will usually last for months, even up to a year. It took my injection about three weeks to show its effects and I had pain relief from the fourth week on. It's been five months and I'm still pain free. So I think you should wait some more.

ALso, cortisone injections have side effects like edema and high blood sugar. So I don't think it's a good idea to get them more often than is recommended by doctors.

candyquilt

I had a cortisone injection for back pain last month but it didn't do much. I want to go back for another injection, but do I have to wait? If the first injection doesn't work, can't I have a second one, one month later?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Cortisone injections may be given up to four times a year per affected joint.
      By: skampixelle
      Cortisone injections may be given up to four times a year per affected joint.
    • Cortisone injections may be given to individuals suffering from carpel tunnel.
      By: JPC-PROD
      Cortisone injections may be given to individuals suffering from carpel tunnel.
    • Cortisone and steroids.
      By: compuinfoto
      Cortisone and steroids.
    • Cortisone shots may be given for conditions such as tennis elbow.
      By: Galina Barskaya
      Cortisone shots may be given for conditions such as tennis elbow.
    • Cortisone injections can be helpful for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
      By: Fenton
      Cortisone injections can be helpful for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.