Treatment & Services / Cortison Injections
Cortisone injections, commonly called steroid shots, are one of the most widely used and effective non-surgical treatments for inflammatory conditions. Whether you are suffering from an arthritis flare-up, bursitis, tendonitis, or nerve root inflammation, a precisely placed cortisone injection can provide rapid pain relief and help you regain function.
At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in image-guided cortisone injections. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—uses advanced ultrasound or fluoroscopy to deliver medication with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring safety and maximizing therapeutic benefit. Cortisone injections are often used as part of a comprehensive plan that includes physical therapy, regenerative medicine, and lifestyle modifications to achieve lasting results.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026
Cortisone is a type of corticosteroid—a synthetic medication that mimics the anti-inflammatory hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands. When injected directly into an inflamed joint, bursa, tendon sheath, or around a nerve root, cortisone rapidly reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain.
Cortisone injections are not painkillers in the traditional sense. They treat the underlying inflammation that causes pain. By calming the inflammatory response, they allow the body to heal and make physical therapy or other rehabilitative activities more tolerable.
Inflammation is a natural immune response, but when it becomes chronic or excessive, it causes pain, swelling, and tissue damage. Cortisone works by:
Inhibits the production of prostaglandins and cytokines.
Decreases the migration of inflammatory cells to the affected area.
Prevents the release of enzymes that cause tissue breakdown.
When injected directly into the source of inflammation, cortisone provides a high concentration of anti-inflammatory medication where it is needed most, often leading to rapid relief within 24–72 hours.
At Joint Health Solutions, we never perform blind injections. Every cortisone injection is guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy to ensure accuracy and safety.
Used for shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, ankle, and soft-tissue injections. It visualizes tendons, bursae, joint spaces, and fluid in real time.
Used for spine injections and deep joint injections such as the hip or sacroiliac joint where bony landmarks are critical.
Image guidance allows us to:
Many patients feel significant improvement within 24–72 hours.
High concentration of medication delivered directly to the source.
Office-based procedure with little downtime.
Reduces pain enough to allow participation in physical therapy.
Can postpone or eliminate the need for surgical intervention.
Cortisone injections are generally safe when used appropriately. However, potential risks include:
Temporary pain flare
Some patients experience increased pain for 24–48 hours after the injection.
Blood sugar elevation
Diabetics may notice a temporary rise in blood glucose.
Skin changes
Rarely, skin thinning or depigmentation at the injection site, especially with superficial injections.
Infection
Extremely rare with sterile technique.
Tendon rupture
Risk when injected directly into a tendon, which we avoid.
Cartilage damage
With repeated frequent injections in the same joint.
Systemic effects
Rare with single injections, but multiple large doses can cause hormonal suppression.
We take every precaution to minimize risks, including using image guidance, limiting frequency, and choosing the appropriate corticosteroid formulation.
| Condition | Typical Duration |
|---|---|
| Osteoarthritis flare-up | Weeks to months |
| Bursitis or tendonitis | Often resolves the condition; recurrence is possible |
| Radiculopathy or sciatica | Weeks to months; may be repeated if needed |
| Facet joint arthritis | Weeks to months |
Duration depends on the underlying condition, the severity of inflammation, and whether the injection is part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some patients achieve lasting relief, while others may need occasional repeat injections.
To minimize potential side effects such as cartilage damage, tendon weakening, and skin changes, we typically limit cortisone injections to 3–4 times per year in the same joint or area. The goal is to use them strategically for flare-ups while building a long-term foundation with physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
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Most patients feel a brief pinch from the local anesthetic and then pressure as the medication is injected. The procedure is generally well tolerated. After the injection, some patients experience mild soreness for a day or two.
Relief often begins within 24–72 hours, though it may take up to a week for full effect. If the injection is for diagnostic purposes, such as a nerve block, relief may be immediate within minutes.
Duration varies from weeks to months, depending on the condition. For acute bursitis or tendonitis, one injection may resolve the issue. For chronic arthritis, relief may last several months.
We usually recommend resting the treated area for 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or high-impact exercise during that time. After that, you can gradually resume activities as tolerated.
Yes, but blood sugar may rise temporarily after the injection, especially with higher doses. We advise monitoring blood glucose more frequently for a few days and adjusting medications as needed in coordination with your diabetes care team.
Repeated frequent injections, typically more than 3–4 per year into the same joint, may accelerate cartilage loss. We limit frequency and use them judiciously, often combining them with physical therapy and other treatments.
Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication that provides rapid relief but does not heal tissue. PRP uses your own growth factors to stimulate repair. It works more slowly but may offer longer-lasting improvement. Sometimes we use cortisone for acute flare-ups and PRP for longer-term healing.
It depends on the type of blood thinner and the injection site. Some patients may need to temporarily hold their medication with approval from their prescribing physician, while others may be candidates with precautions. We evaluate each case individually.
Yes, cortisone injections for medically indicated conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, and radiculopathy are typically covered by insurance. We verify benefits before the procedure.
You may be a candidate if you have an acute flare-up of arthritis, bursitis, or tendonitis; oral anti-inflammatories are not providing adequate relief or cause side effects; you need pain relief to participate in physical therapy; you have radicular pain from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis; or you want to avoid or delay surgery.
If you are suffering from a painful inflammatory condition and want rapid, targeted relief, schedule a consultation at Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte. We will help determine if cortisone injections are right for you and integrate them into a comprehensive care plan.
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