How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?

Cortisone injections can provide pain relief for several weeks to a few months, although the exact duration varies depending on the condition being treated, the joint or tendon involved, the medication used and how an individual responds to treatment.

Steroid injections usually take a few days to start working. Some people notice improvement sooner, while others may take longer to experience the full effect.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we provide ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections at our clinics in Leeds and Bradford, following a clinical assessment to determine whether an injection is appropriate for your condition.

Looking for a private steroid injection in Leeds or Bradford?

Book an appointment online or call 0113 873 0766 to discuss your symptoms and treatment options.

How long does a Steroid injection last?

For many people, pain relief from a corticosteroid injection lasts several weeks to a few months. Some people experience shorter-lasting relief, while others may benefit for longer.

There is no guaranteed timeframe because the response depends on several factors, including:

The condition being treated
The joint, tendon or soft tissue involved
How severe and long-standing the problem is
The type and dose of corticosteroid used
Whether local anaesthetic is also used
Your individual response to the injection
Whether the injection is combined with rehabilitation and exercise

For example, NHS guidance states that hydrocortisone injections commonly help with pain and swelling for around 2–3 months, although some people experience relief for longer. Other NHS musculoskeletal services describe relief lasting from several weeks to several months.

The important point is that a cortisone injection is generally a treatment for pain and inflammation rather than a permanent cure for the underlying problem.

How quickly does a cortisone injection start working?

A corticosteroid injection does not always provide immediate pain relief.

The steroid commonly takes a few days to start working, although the timing varies between individuals and treatments.

If a local anaesthetic is used alongside the steroid, you may experience some pain relief shortly after the injection. However, this effect is temporary and can wear off after a few hours.

The steroid component takes longer to have its anti-inflammatory effect.

A simple timeline

Immediately after the injection

You may experience some temporary relief if local anaesthetic has been used. The injection site may also feel tender.

First 24–48 hours

Some people experience a temporary increase in pain or soreness. This is sometimes called a steroid flare and normally settles.

After a few days

The corticosteroid may begin reducing inflammation and pain.

Over the following weeks

If the injection is effective, you may experience improved pain, movement and function.

What can you expect after a cortisone injection?

Most people can return home after a joint or soft-tissue corticosteroid injection, but your clinician will give you specific advice based on the area treated and your individual circumstances.

You may experience:

Mild soreness

The injection site can be tender or uncomfortable for a short period afterwards.

A temporary pain flare

Some people experience increased pain after the injection before the steroid begins to work. NHS guidance notes that this can happen and generally settles within a few days.

Gradual improvement

If the injection is successful, pain and stiffness may reduce over the following days, making it easier to move and begin or progress rehabilitation.

Activity advice

Your clinician will advise you about rest and returning to normal activity. The appropriate advice depends on what has been injected and the underlying condition.

It is important not to use an immediate reduction in pain as a reason to suddenly overload the affected area.

What happens if the pain comes back?

A cortisone injection does not necessarily prevent the underlying problem from returning.

If pain comes back after the effect of the injection wears off, your clinician may review:

Whether the original diagnosis is still appropriate
How much improvement you experienced
How long the injection helped
Your exercise and rehabilitation programme
Whether another injection is appropriate
Whether another treatment would be more suitable

The decision to have another corticosteroid injection should be made on an individual basis rather than simply following a fixed schedule.

The number and frequency of injections that are appropriate can depend on the area being treated, the medication and dose, your response to previous treatment and your overall health.

Can a cortisone injection be combined with physiotherapy?

Yes. In many cases, the aim of an injection is to reduce pain sufficiently to make movement and rehabilitation easier.

For some patients, reducing pain can create an opportunity to improve strength, mobility and function through an appropriate physiotherapy programme.

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, we can discuss whether an injection, physiotherapy or a combination of treatments is appropriate for your particular problem.

The aim should not simply be to provide temporary pain relief. Where appropriate, the longer-term goal is to help you improve movement, strength and function.

If your pain is stopping you from exercising or completing your normal activities, an assessment can help determine the most appropriate next step.

What conditions can cortisone injections treat?

Corticosteroid injections may be considered for a range of musculoskeletal problems where reducing pain and inflammation may be appropriate.

Depending on your clinical assessment, injections may be considered for problems involving areas such as:

Shoulder pain
Knee pain
Hip pain
Elbow pain
Wrist and hand pain
Foot and ankle pain
Bursitis
Some tendon-related conditions
Osteoarthritis-related pain
Other suitable joint and musculoskeletal conditions

An injection is not appropriate for every condition, which is why an assessment is important before treatment.

Are cortisone injections safe?

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

Potential side effects can include temporary pain after the injection, bruising, skin colour changes, changes to the skin or underlying fat, and a temporary increase in blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

More serious complications, such as infection or an allergic reaction, are uncommon but can occur.

Before treatment, your clinician should assess whether an injection is appropriate and discuss the potential benefits, risks and alternatives with you.

You should tell your clinician about relevant medical conditions, medications, allergies, recent infections and any planned surgery or other procedures.

When should you seek medical advice after an injection?

Some soreness after an injection can be normal.

However, increasing pain, swelling, redness or warmth around the injection site, particularly if you feel generally unwell or develop a temperature, should be assessed promptly, as these can be signs of infection.

If you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, mouth or throat or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.

How much do corticosteroid injections cost in Leeds?

At Light Joints Physiotherapy, our current prices are:

Corticosteroid injection: £195

Two injections in the same appointment: £295

The appointment includes the relevant medication, ultrasound guidance where clinically appropriate and aftercare advice.

Appointment availability can vary, so please check the online booking system for current availability.

Corticosteroid Injection

£195

Price includes £95 assessment fee

Private steroid injections in Leeds and Bradford

Light Joints Physiotherapy provides private musculoskeletal assessment and injection services from clinics in:

How Long Do Cortisone Injections Last?