Cortisone injections, also known as corticosteroid or steroid injections, may help relieve pain and inflammation in selected joint and soft-tissue conditions.

However, the location of your pain alone doesn’t determine whether an injection is appropriate. The diagnosis, medical history and potential benefits and risks all matter.

In this guide, we explore five common areas where injections may be considered, when physiotherapy might be a better option and what to expect from an assessment at Light Joints Physiotherapy in Leeds and Bradford.

Which Areas Can Have a Cortisone Injection?

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected conditions affecting the:

• Shoulder

• Knee

• Outer hip

• Foot and ankle

• Elbow, wrist and hand

Not every painful joint or tendon benefits from an injection. Treatment should be based on a clinical assessment rather than symptoms alone.

1. Shoulder Cortisone Injections

Shoulder pain can affect sleep, dressing, reaching overhead and exercise.

Depending on the diagnosis, a corticosteroid injection may be considered for:

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

• Selected cases of shoulder bursitis or subacromial pain

• Certain inflammatory shoulder conditions

An injection may provide temporary symptom relief, sometimes making movement and rehabilitation more manageable.

However, many shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff-related pain, can be managed with physiotherapy and progressive strengthening.

Explore shoulder pain physiotherapy

2. Knee Cortisone Injections

Knee pain can make walking, climbing stairs and exercising difficult.

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for some people with knee osteoarthritis or selected inflammatory joint conditions.

For osteoarthritis, NICE advises that pain relief from an intra-articular corticosteroid injection is generally short-term, typically lasting 2–10 weeks.

Exercise, strengthening and appropriate activity management remain important for longer-term knee health.

Not every cause of knee pain, including ligament or meniscal injuries, is suitable for an injection.

Learn about knee pain physiotherapy

3. Outer-Hip Cortisone Injections

Pain on the outside of the hip may be associated with greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which can involve the gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain when lying on the affected side

• Discomfort when walking or climbing stairs

• Tenderness around the outer hip

Education, activity modification and progressive strengthening are often central to treatment.

An injection may be considered in selected cases, although the potential benefits must be weighed against the limitations and risks.

Important: An injection around the outside of the hip is different from an injection into the hip joint. Light Joints Physiotherapy does not offer hip-joint injections.

Explore hip pain physiotherapy in Leeds & Bradford

4. Foot and Ankle Cortisone Injections

Persistent foot or ankle pain can affect walking, work and sport.

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected inflammatory joint or soft-tissue conditions, depending on the diagnosis.

However, not every foot or ankle problem is suitable for injection treatment.

For example, corticosteroid injections are generally avoided in or around the Achilles tendon because of concerns about tendon injury or rupture. Plantar heel pain also requires careful assessment of treatment options and risks.

Physiotherapy, progressive strengthening, footwear advice and activity modification may be more appropriate for many conditions.

Learn about ankle and foot pain physiotherapy

5. Elbow, Wrist and Hand Cortisone Injections

Elbow, wrist and hand pain can interfere with gripping, lifting, typing and everyday activities.

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected conditions, including:

• Trigger finger

• Certain inflammatory joint conditions

• Selected wrist or hand problems

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow require particular caution. Although injections may offer short-term relief in some cases, longer-term outcomes can be less favourable, making rehabilitation an important consideration.

Treatment should be based on the underlying condition rather than the location of pain alone.

Explore elbow pain physiotherapy

How Do You Know If a Cortisone Injection Is Right for You?

A corticosteroid injection may help selected conditions, but it isn’t suitable for everyone.

Before considering treatment, a clinician should assess your symptoms, medical history, previous treatment and any relevant risks.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, musculoskeletal ultrasound may be used to support assessment where clinically appropriate.

Our injections are landmark-guided, not ultrasound-guided. This means the clinician uses anatomical landmarks rather than live ultrasound imaging to guide needle placement.

If an injection isn’t appropriate, alternatives such as physiotherapy, rehabilitation or further investigation can be discussed.

Learn about joint and tendon injection assessments

How Long Does a Cortisone Injection Last?

The response varies depending on the condition and individual.

Some people experience symptom improvement within a few days, while others notice little or no benefit. Relief may last several weeks or longer, but it is not guaranteed.

An injection is not a permanent cure for every condition. Where appropriate, rehabilitation can help improve movement, strength and function.

Read our guide: How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?

Are Cortisone Injections Safe?

Like any medical procedure, corticosteroid injections have potential benefits and risks.

Possible side effects include temporary soreness, bruising, a short-term pain flare and changes to skin or soft tissue. Blood glucose levels may rise temporarily in people with diabetes.

Less common but important complications include infection, allergic reactions and injury to nearby tissues.

Your clinician should explain the relevant risks and alternatives before any treatment.

Read more: Are Cortisone Injections Safe?

How Much Do Cortisone Injections Cost in Leeds & Bradford?

Light Joints Physiotherapy’s listed fees are:

• One corticosteroid injection: £195

• Two injections in the same appointment: £295

• Assessment only, if injection is unsuitable: £95

Where treatment proceeds, the injection fee includes the clinical assessment, medication, procedure and aftercare advice.

Any injection is subject to clinical suitability and service availability.

Read our full guide to cortisone injection costs

Cortisone Injection Assessments in Leeds & Bradford

Light Joints Physiotherapy has three clinic locations:

Colton, Leeds
Inside Jetts Fitness, 5b Stile Hill Way, LS15 9JB

Rothwell, Leeds
Inside Jetts Fitness, 75 Commercial Street, LS26 0QD

Greengates, Bradford
Inside Jetts Fitness, 800 Harrogate Road, BD10 0QS

For advice about the most appropriate appointment for your symptoms, contact our team on 0113 873 0766.

Explore joint and tendon injection services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common areas for cortisone injections?

Common areas include the shoulder, knee, outer hip, foot and ankle, elbow, wrist and hand. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on the diagnosis.

Can I have a cortisone injection in my hip?

Some injections may be considered for conditions affecting the outside of the hip. However, Light Joints Physiotherapy does not offer injections into the hip joint itself.

Are cortisone injections suitable for tendon pain?

Not always. Certain tendon conditions may respond poorly to injections, and some sites carry additional risks. Physiotherapy and progressive rehabilitation may be more appropriate.

Are your cortisone injections ultrasound-guided?

No. Light Joints Physiotherapy provides landmark-guided injections. Ultrasound may be used separately during assessment where clinically appropriate.

Do I need a GP referral?

No GP referral is required to book a private clinical assessment. Any injection treatment is subject to clinical suitability and service availability.

What happens if an injection isn’t suitable?

Your clinician will explain the findings and discuss alternative treatment options. The assessment-only fee is £95.

Choosing the Right Treatment

The right treatment depends on the cause of your pain, not simply where it hurts.

A clinical assessment can help establish whether an injection, physiotherapy or another approach is appropriate.

Learn more about joint and tendon injection assessments in Leeds & Bradford