Cortisone injections can provide pain relief for several weeks to a few months, although the duration varies depending on the condition being treated and how your body responds. Some people experience relief for longer, while others notice only a short improvement or no meaningful benefit.

Steroid injections usually begin working within a few days. If local anaesthetic is used, you may feel temporary relief sooner, but that is separate from the steroid’s longer-lasting anti-inflammatory effect.

A corticosteroid injection can help reduce pain and inflammation, but it does not necessarily cure the underlying joint or tendon problem.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we offer private steroid injection assessments in Leeds and Bradford, at our clinics in Colton, Rothwell and Greengates.

View our private joint and tendon injection service to learn about treatment, prices and appointments.

How Long Does a Steroid Injection Last?

For many patients, pain relief from a corticosteroid injection lasts several weeks to a few months.

However, there is no guaranteed timeframe. The response varies between individuals, injection sites and conditions.

NHS guidance on hydrocortisone injections describes relief that commonly lasts around two to three months, although some people experience longer benefits. This is general guidance for hydrocortisone injections, not a prediction for every steroid medication or condition.

Factors that can affect the duration include:

• The underlying diagnosis: Different conditions respond differently to corticosteroid treatment.

• The injection site: An injection into a joint is not the same as one around a bursa or tendon sheath.

• The corticosteroid used: Medication and dose can influence the response.

• The severity and duration of symptoms: Longstanding or complex problems may need additional treatment.

• Your individual response: Two people with similar symptoms may experience different results.

• Your rehabilitation and activity: Improving strength and function can help manage the underlying condition, even after the medication’s effect wears off.

The key takeaway: A steroid injection may provide a window of pain relief, but longer-term improvement often depends on correctly diagnosing and managing the underlying problem.

How Quickly Does a Cortisone Injection Start Working?

A steroid injection does not always work immediately.

The corticosteroid commonly begins to reduce pain and inflammation within a few days, although the onset varies.

If local anaesthetic is used alongside the steroid, you may notice an earlier improvement. This temporary effect can wear off before the steroid itself starts working.

Cortisone Injection Timeline: Day by Day

This is a general timeline, not a guarantee. Your treating clinician’s specific aftercare advice should always take priority.

How Do You Know If a Cortisone Injection Is Working?

A successful response may involve more than simply feeling less pain.

You might notice:

• Less discomfort during everyday movement

• Reduced night pain or improved sleep

• Less pain when walking, reaching or using the affected joint

• Improved ability to participate in exercise or rehabilitation

• Greater confidence in normal activities

However, pain relief alone does not mean the underlying tissue has fully recovered.

For example, if a shoulder injection reduces pain, you may still need to improve strength, movement or tolerance to activity.

If symptoms do not improve as expected, your clinician may need to reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Why Do Some Cortisone Injections Wear Off Quickly?

There are several reasons why an injection may provide only short-term relief:

The Underlying Condition Has Not Changed

Corticosteroids can reduce inflammation and pain without repairing damaged cartilage, restoring muscle strength or resolving every cause of symptoms.

Pain may therefore return as the medication’s effect diminishes.

The Condition May Not Respond Well to Steroids

Not every musculoskeletal condition is driven by inflammation that responds to corticosteroid treatment.

For some longstanding tendon problems, progressive exercise and load management are more appropriate.

More Than One Factor May Be Contributing to Pain

Pain can involve several structures or be influenced by movement, strength, activity and other factors.

An injection may address one component without resolving the whole problem.

Activity Has Increased Too Quickly

When pain improves, it can be tempting to return immediately to strenuous activity.

However, reduced pain does not automatically mean that the affected joint or tendon is ready for increased loading.

Individual Responses Differ

Even when the diagnosis and treatment are appropriate, some patients respond better than others.

If an injection provides little or no relief, reassessment is generally more useful than automatically repeating it.

What Happens If the Pain Comes Back After a Cortisone Injection?

Pain returning does not necessarily mean the injection failed.

Some corticosteroid injections are intended to provide temporary symptom relief, rather than a permanent cure.

If your symptoms return, a clinician may review:

• Whether the original diagnosis remains appropriate

• How much improvement you experienced

• How long the relief lasted

• Whether your strength, movement or function improved

• Your rehabilitation programme

• Whether further investigation is needed

• Whether another injection or different treatment is appropriate

For some people, physiotherapy is the best next step. Others may require further assessment or a different treatment approach.

If you are unsure whether another injection is appropriate, read our guide to when you might need a joint injection.

How Many Cortisone Injections Can You Have?

There is no single number of injections that is safe or appropriate for every patient and every joint.

Repeated corticosteroid injections may increase the risk of adverse effects on tissues such as cartilage and tendons.

Your clinician should consider:

• The anatomical area being treated

• The condition and its likely response to steroids

• Previous injections and the time between them

• The medication and dose

• Your medical history

• The benefits of earlier treatment

• Available alternatives

Repeat injections should be considered individually rather than scheduled automatically whenever pain returns.

For a more detailed discussion, see Are Cortisone Injections Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Alternatives.

Can Physiotherapy Help After a Cortisone Injection?

Yes. Physiotherapy can be valuable after a steroid injection, particularly when pain relief makes movement and exercise easier.

However, physiotherapy cannot guarantee that the medication itself will last longer.

The aim is to address factors that may contribute to persistent symptoms, such as:

• Reduced muscle strength

• Limited joint movement

• Poor tolerance to physical activity

• Reduced confidence in movement

• Difficulties returning to work, sport or exercise

A rehabilitation programme may include progressive strengthening, mobility exercises, load management and a gradual return to normal activities.

For example, patients with knee osteoarthritis may benefit from therapeutic exercise regardless of whether an injection is used for temporary pain relief.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we aim to help patients improve their longer-term function rather than relying on injections alone.

Learn more about our physiotherapy services in Leeds and Bradford.

What Conditions Can Cortisone Injections Help?

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for selected joint and soft-tissue conditions.

Examples include:

Shoulder Pain

Some patients with shoulder bursitis, frozen shoulder or other suitable inflammatory shoulder conditions may benefit from corticosteroid treatment.

The duration of relief varies, and physiotherapy may still be important.

Knee Osteoarthritis

For selected patients with knee osteoarthritis, an injection may provide short-term symptom relief.

However, corticosteroids do not regenerate cartilage or cure arthritis.

The NICE osteoarthritis guideline recommends therapeutic exercise as a core treatment and supports considering intra-articular corticosteroid injections for short-term relief in appropriate circumstances.

Wrist and Hand Conditions

Certain conditions, such as trigger finger or some tendon-sheath disorders, may be considered for corticosteroid treatment.

Selected Elbow Conditions

Some elbow conditions may improve temporarily following injection, but for problems such as tennis elbow, longer-term outcomes can be less favourable despite initial pain relief.

Selected Foot and Ankle Conditions

Some inflammatory conditions around the foot and ankle may be suitable for injection.

However, corticosteroid injections are not appropriate for every tendon problem. Achilles tendinopathy, in particular, requires careful consideration because of tendon-related risks.

Not every painful joint or tendon should be injected. A clinical assessment is needed to establish whether the expected benefits justify the risks.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we do not provide injections into the hip joint, neck, lower back or spine.

For the areas we assess and treat, see our private joint and tendon injection service.

Do You Need an Ultrasound Scan Before a Steroid Injection?

No. An ultrasound scan is not necessary before every steroid injection.

Many musculoskeletal conditions can be assessed using a clinical history and physical examination.

For selected problems, focused musculoskeletal ultrasound may help assess accessible structures such as tendons, bursae or joint fluid.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we offer combined physiotherapy and focused MSK ultrasound assessment where clinically indicated.

This is a targeted point-of-care ultrasound assessment (POCUS), not a standalone comprehensive radiology scan. A scan is not guaranteed at every appointment.

What Should You Expect After a Cortisone Injection?

Most people can return home following an uncomplicated corticosteroid injection.

Your clinician will provide specific aftercare advice based on the area treated.

You may experience:

Mild soreness: The injection site may feel tender for a short period.

A temporary steroid flare: Some people experience increased discomfort before the steroid begins working.

Gradual improvement: If treatment is effective, pain may reduce over the following days.

Activity restrictions: You may be advised to avoid strenuous activity involving the injected area for a period appropriate to the procedure.

Do not assume that reduced pain means you can immediately return to your previous exercise intensity.

The goal is to return to activity safely and progressively.

Are Cortisone Injections Safe?

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used, but no injection is entirely risk-free.

Potential side effects include:

• Temporary pain or a steroid flare

• Bruising or soreness

• Skin colour changes

• Changes to fatty tissue beneath the skin

• Temporary increases in blood glucose

• Infection, which is uncommon but potentially serious

• Allergic reactions

• Possible adverse effects on cartilage or tendons in certain circumstances

Your clinician should review relevant medical conditions, medication, allergies and previous injections before treatment.

Read our full article: Are Cortisone Injections Safe? Risks, Side Effects & Alternatives.

When Should You Seek Medical Help After an Injection?

Seek urgent medical advice if the injected area becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, especially if you feel unwell or develop a fever.

Call 999 for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including difficulty breathing or swelling of the mouth, tongue or throat.

How Much Does a Private Cortisone Injection Cost in Leeds or Bradford?

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, our current advertised prices are:

Our injection appointments include clinical assessment, medication and appropriate aftercare advice, with treatment provided only if clinically suitable.

An ultrasound scan is not automatically included or guaranteed.

For more information, read our private cortisone injection cost guide.

You can also view current injection treatment options and appointments.

Can I Book a Private Steroid Injection Without a GP Referral?

Yes. You can book a private corticosteroid injection assessment directly with Light Joints Physiotherapy without a GP referral.

An injection will only be performed if your clinician confirms that it is appropriate and you consent to treatment.

If an injection is not suitable, we will explain other treatment or investigation options.

Where Can I Get a Private Steroid Injection in Leeds or Bradford?

Light Joints Physiotherapy has three clinic locations.

Colton, Leeds

Light Joints Physiotherapy – Colton

Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
5b Stile Hill Way
Colton, Leeds LS15 9JB

Visit our Colton clinic page.

Rothwell, Leeds

Light Joints Physiotherapy – Rothwell

Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
75 Commercial Street
Rothwell, Leeds LS26 0QD

Visit our Rothwell clinic page.

Greengates, Bradford

Light Joints Physiotherapy – Greengates

Suite 1, inside Jetts Fitness
800 Harrogate Road
Apperley Bridge, Bradford BD10 0QS

Contact Light Joints Physiotherapy for clinic information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a cortisone injection usually last?

A cortisone injection may relieve pain for several weeks to a few months. Some people experience longer-lasting benefits, while others have only brief relief or no improvement.

How long does it take for a steroid injection to work?

The steroid commonly begins working within a few days, although the onset varies. Local anaesthetic, if used, may provide earlier temporary relief.

Can a cortisone injection last six months?

Yes, some people experience relief lasting six months or longer, but this is not guaranteed and varies by condition and individual response.

Why did my cortisone injection only last two weeks?

A short response may reflect the underlying condition, the source of pain or individual variation. A reassessment may help determine whether rehabilitation or another treatment is more appropriate.

What if a cortisone injection doesn’t work?

Your clinician may reassess the diagnosis and discuss physiotherapy, further investigation or another treatment. A repeat injection is not automatically the best option.

How often can I have a steroid injection?

The appropriate interval and number depend on the injection site, condition, medication, previous response and individual risks. Repeat treatment requires clinical assessment.

Can I exercise after a steroid injection?

Usually, you will receive advice about temporarily modifying activity before gradually returning to exercise. Follow your treating clinician’s instructions.

Can physiotherapy make the injection last longer?

Physiotherapy may improve strength, movement and function, but it cannot guarantee that the steroid’s pain-relieving effect will last longer.

Does a cortisone injection cure arthritis?

No. A corticosteroid injection may provide temporary symptom relief but does not reverse osteoarthritis or restore damaged cartilage.

Do I need an ultrasound scan before an injection?

Not necessarily. Focused MSK ultrasound is only used when clinically indicated and is separate from the injection procedure.

Do I need a GP referral for a private steroid injection?

No. You can book a private injection assessment directly with Light Joints Physiotherapy in Leeds or Bradford.

Should You Have a Cortisone Injection?

The right question is not only “How long will a cortisone injection last?”

It is also “Is an injection likely to help my condition, and what should happen after the pain improves?”

For some patients, an injection may be a useful part of treatment.

For others, physiotherapy or another approach may offer greater benefit.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we assess your symptoms, explain your options and recommend an injection only when it is clinically appropriate.

Book a Private Cortisone Injection Assessment in Leeds or Bradford

If persistent joint or soft-tissue pain is affecting your sleep, work, exercise or daily activities, an assessment can help determine the most appropriate next step.

We offer private corticosteroid injection assessments at our clinics in:

Colton, Leeds | Rothwell, Leeds | Greengates, Bradford

One corticosteroid injection appointment: £195, subject to clinical suitability.

No GP referral is required to arrange an assessment.

View our steroid injection service and appointment information

Call: 0113 873 0766
Email: [email protected]

Clinical References

• NHS – Hydrocortisone injections – Information about the onset, duration and safety of hydrocortisone injections.

• NICE NG226 – Osteoarthritis in over 16s: management – Guidance on therapeutic exercise and the selective use of intra-articular corticosteroid injections.

Clinical information notice: This article provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Treatment suitability, risks and outcomes vary.

Clinically reviewed by: Add the actual name and credentials of the clinician who reviews this article.

Last reviewed: 12/10/26