Are Cortisone Injections Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Alternatives
Are you considering a cortisone injection but worried about side effects or long-term risks? Learn how safe steroid injections are, the common and rare side effects, who may need extra assessment, and what alternatives are available in Leeds and Bradford.
If you have persistent shoulder, knee, hip, elbow or other musculoskeletal pain, you may have been offered or be considering a cortisone injection.
It is completely reasonable to ask:
“Are cortisone injections safe?”
For many people, corticosteroid injections can be used safely when there is an appropriate clinical reason for treatment. However, no injection is completely risk-free, and a steroid injection is not suitable for every condition or every person.
The decision should take into account your diagnosis, medical history, previous treatments, the area being treated and the potential benefits and risks.
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we assess your symptoms before recommending an injection and discuss whether it is an appropriate treatment option for you.
Are cortisone injections safe?
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to reduce pain and inflammation in selected joint and musculoskeletal conditions.
The medication is injected into or around a specific area rather than being taken as a tablet, which generally limits the amount of steroid circulating throughout the body.
However, there are potential side effects and complications.
The risk depends on factors including:
The area being injected
The condition being treated
The medication and dose
Whether local anaesthetic is also used
Your medical history
Whether you have had previous injections
How frequently injections are repeated
This is why a proper clinical assessment is important before treatment.
What are the common side effects of cortisone injections?
Most people do not experience serious problems following a corticosteroid injection, but temporary side effects can occur.
Temporary pain or a steroid flare
Some people experience an increase in pain immediately after the injection.
This is sometimes called a steroid flare and usually settles within a few days. NHS guidance reports that around 1 in 10 people may experience increased pain immediately after a steroid injection.
Bruising or soreness
The injection site may be tender or bruised for a short period afterward.
Skin colour changes
The skin around the injection site can sometimes become lighter or darker.
Changes to the fat under the skin
In some cases, a small amount of fat can be lost around the injection site, potentially causing a visible indentation. This can sometimes be permanent.
Facial flushing
Some people experience temporary flushing or warmth in the face after a steroid injection. This generally settles without treatment.
Temporary changes to blood glucose
Steroid injections can temporarily increase blood glucose levels.
This is particularly important if you have diabetes, so make sure your clinician knows before treatment and follow the advice you are given about monitoring your blood sugar.
What are the serious risks of steroid injections?
Serious complications are uncommon, but they can happen.
Infection
Infection following an injection is rare, but it is an important complication to be aware of.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if the injection area becomes increasingly hot, swollen and painful, particularly if you also feel unwell or develop a temperature.
Allergic reaction
A serious allergic reaction is rare.
Symptoms such as sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, throat or tongue, difficulty breathing or a severe widespread rash require emergency medical attention.
Tendon problems
Steroid injections require particular care around tendons.
Corticosteroid injections are not appropriate for every tendon problem, and there can be a risk of tendon weakening or rupture in some circumstances. This is one reason why the exact diagnosis and injection site matter.
For conditions such as Achilles tendinopathy, the decision to use corticosteroid treatment requires particular clinical consideration.
Risks from repeated injections
Repeated injections can carry additional risks, including potential effects on cartilage and tendons. The appropriate number and frequency of injections therefore need to be considered on an individual basis.
There is no universal “safe number” of injections that applies to every person and every joint.
Who may not be suitable for a cortisone injection?
A steroid injection may not be appropriate if you have certain medical conditions or circumstances.
Tell your clinician if you:
Have an infection or are feeling unwell
Have diabetes
Are taking blood-thinning medication
Have allergies to medicines or local anaesthetic
Are pregnant or breastfeeding
Have recently had or are due to have a vaccination
Have recently had surgery or are planning surgery
Have other significant medical conditions
Have had previous steroid injections
Some of these factors do not necessarily mean that you cannot have an injection, but they may affect whether treatment is appropriate and what precautions are required.
Your clinician should review your circumstances before treatment.
Do cortisone injections damage joints?
This is one of the most common concerns people have.
A single corticosteroid injection does not automatically mean that your joint will be damaged.
However, repeated injections can carry additional risks, and corticosteroid treatment is not appropriate for every condition.
The decision should therefore consider:
Why the injection is being recommended
Which joint or structure is being treated
How many injections you have already had
How long ago your previous injection was
Whether you benefited from the previous treatment
What alternative treatments are available
The aim should be to use an injection when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks, rather than simply repeating injections whenever pain returns.
Can cortisone injections damage tendons?
They can carry risks around tendons, which is why tendon injections require careful clinical assessment.
Some tendon conditions are better managed with progressive strengthening, load management and rehabilitation rather than corticosteroid injection.
In particular, injections around vulnerable tendons require careful consideration because steroid exposure can potentially weaken tendon tissue.
This is why we do not recommend an injection simply because a tendon is painful.
The underlying diagnosis matters.
Do steroid injections weaken your immune system?
Corticosteroids can affect the immune system, although the systemic effect of a local injection is generally less than with prolonged or high-dose oral steroid treatment.
Your individual risk depends on the medication, dose, number of injections and your health.
If you have an infection, are taking antibiotics or have another condition that affects your immune system, tell your clinician before treatment.
Can cortisone injections raise blood sugar?
Yes.
Steroid injections can temporarily increase blood glucose levels.
This is particularly relevant if you have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, tell your clinician before your appointment and follow the advice you are given about monitoring your blood glucose after treatment.
What happens during a steroid injection appointment?
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, an injection appointment starts with a clinical assessment.
1. Assessment
We discuss:
Your symptoms
Your medical history
Previous treatment
Any medications you take
What you want to achieve from treatment
We then assess the affected area and consider whether an injection is appropriate.
2. Ultrasound assessment
Where clinically appropriate, ultrasound can be used to assess the relevant structures and help identify the intended treatment area.
3. Ultrasound-guided injection
If an injection is appropriate and you choose to proceed, the area is prepared using appropriate aseptic technique.
Ultrasound guidance can allow the clinician to visualise the target area during the procedure.
4. Aftercare
You will receive advice about activity, exercise and rehabilitation following treatment.
The appropriate advice depends on the area treated and your individual circumstances.
Does a cortisone injection hurt?
There can be some discomfort during an injection.
The needle passing through the skin can cause a brief sharp sensation, and the medication itself can sometimes produce temporary discomfort.
A local anaesthetic may be used depending on the treatment.
Your clinician will explain what to expect before the procedure and answer any questions you have.
What should you expect after a cortisone injection?
You may experience some soreness around the injection site after treatment.
Some people experience a temporary pain flare before the corticosteroid begins to take effect.
The steroid commonly takes a few days to start working, although the timing varies between individuals and conditions.
Your clinician will advise you about:
Rest and activity
Exercise
Returning to work
Returning to sport
Pain management
Rehabilitation
It is important not to dramatically increase your activity simply because your pain has improved.
The aim is to use any reduction in pain to gradually restore movement, strength and function.
How long do cortisone injections last?
The duration of pain relief varies considerably.
For many people, corticosteroid injections provide relief for several weeks to a few months, although the response differs between individuals and conditions. NHS guidance also notes that benefits can sometimes last several months.
The duration can depend on:
The condition being treated
The area injected
The severity of symptoms
The medication used
Your individual response
Your rehabilitation and activity levels
An injection should therefore not be viewed as a guaranteed permanent cure.
For a more detailed explanation:
How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?
What are the alternatives to cortisone injections?
You do not always need a steroid injection.
The most appropriate alternative depends on the underlying cause of your pain.
Potential options can include:
Physiotherapy
A tailored rehabilitation programme can address factors such as strength, mobility, movement control and load tolerance.
Exercise and strengthening
Progressive exercise is an important treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions.
Load management
Changing how quickly or heavily you load an affected joint, tendon or muscle can sometimes help symptoms settle.
Activity modification
Temporarily changing aggravating activities may allow symptoms to improve while maintaining appropriate movement.
Medication
Depending on your circumstances, your GP or pharmacist may discuss appropriate pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication.
Further investigation or referral
If the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms are not improving, further assessment, imaging or referral may sometimes be appropriate.
The best treatment is the one that matches the underlying problem.
Are cortisone injections better than physiotherapy?
Not necessarily.
They are different treatments with different purposes.
A corticosteroid injection may provide temporary pain relief in selected conditions.
Physiotherapy can address factors such as strength, mobility, movement and load tolerance.
For some people, physiotherapy alone may be appropriate.
For others, an injection may be considered as part of a wider rehabilitation plan.
In some cases, the treatments can be used alongside one another.
The decision should be based on your diagnosis and individual circumstances rather than automatically choosing one treatment.
When should you NOT have a cortisone injection?
An injection may not be appropriate if:
Your symptoms are already improving
The underlying condition does not respond well to corticosteroid treatment
Your potential risks outweigh the likely benefits
Another treatment is more appropriate
You have a medical condition that makes injection treatment unsuitable
The diagnosis has not been established
A good assessment should sometimes result in the answer:
“You don’t need an injection.”
At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we believe treatment should be based on what is clinically appropriate rather than simply performing a procedure because someone has asked for one.
Where can I get a cortisone injection in Leeds?
Light Joints Physiotherapy provides private corticosteroid injection services at:
Leeds – Colton
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
5b Stile Hill Way
Colton
Leeds
LS15 9JB
Leeds – Rothwell
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
75 Commercial Street
Rothwell
Leeds
LS26 0QD
Where can I get a steroid injection in Bradford?
Our Bradford clinic is based in Greengates, near Apperley Bridge.
Bradford – Greengates
Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
800 Harrogate Road
Apperley Bridge
Bradford
BD10 0QS
How much does a cortisone injection cost?
Our current prices are:
1 corticosteroid injection: ÂŁ195
2 injections in the same appointment: ÂŁ295
Medication is stocked by the clinic, so you do not need to obtain or bring medication separately.
Appointments are subject to clinical assessment and availability.
CHECK APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY
Or call 0113 873 0766
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cortisone injections safe?
Corticosteroid injections are commonly used and can be appropriate for many people, but they are not risk-free. Potential side effects include temporary pain, bruising, skin changes and temporary changes in blood glucose. Rare complications include infection and serious allergic reactions.
What are the most common side effects of cortisone injections?
Common or occasional side effects can include temporary pain or a steroid flare, soreness, bruising, facial flushing, skin colour changes and changes to the fat around the injection site.
Can a cortisone injection cause more pain?
Yes. Some people experience a temporary increase in pain after an injection. This usually settles within a few days.
Can cortisone injections damage joints?
Repeated injections can carry additional risks to cartilage and other tissues, so repeat treatment should be considered individually. A single injection does not automatically mean that joint damage will occur.
Can steroid injections damage tendons?
There can be risks to tendons, including potential weakening or rupture in some circumstances. This is why corticosteroid injections are not appropriate for every tendon problem and require careful assessment.
Can cortisone injections raise blood sugar?
Yes. Steroid injections can temporarily raise blood glucose, which is particularly important for people with diabetes. Tell your clinician if you have diabetes before treatment.
How long do cortisone injection side effects last?
Minor soreness or a temporary pain flare commonly settles within a few days. Other effects, such as skin colour changes or loss of fat around the injection site, can sometimes last much longer or be permanent.
What are the alternatives to a cortisone injection?
Depending on your condition, alternatives may include physiotherapy, exercise and strengthening, load management, activity modification, medication or further assessment. The appropriate option depends on the diagnosis.
Are cortisone injections better than physiotherapy?
Not necessarily. They have different purposes. An injection may reduce pain temporarily, while physiotherapy can address strength, mobility, movement and load tolerance. In some cases, they may form part of the same treatment plan.
How long does a cortisone injection last?
Pain relief commonly lasts several weeks to a few months, although the duration varies depending on the condition and individual response.
When should I seek medical help after a steroid injection?
Seek prompt medical advice if the injection site becomes increasingly hot, swollen and painful, particularly if you feel unwell or develop a temperature. Severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing or sudden swelling of the mouth or throat require emergency medical attention.
Should you have a cortisone injection?
There is no need to decide before your assessment.
The important question isn’t simply:
“Are cortisone injections safe?”
It is:
“Are the potential benefits of an injection greater than the potential risks for my particular condition?”
That is something your clinician can discuss with you after assessing your symptoms.
If an injection is appropriate, we’ll explain what is involved, the potential benefits and risks, and what you can expect afterwards.
If an injection isn’t appropriate, we’ll explain the alternatives.
Book a private joint injection assessment in Leeds or Bradford
Leeds – Colton | Leeds – Rothwell | Bradford – Greengates
Call: 0113 873 0766
Email: [email protected]
This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. The suitability of a corticosteroid injection depends on your individual circumstances and should be assessed by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.