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Is there an alternative to cortisone injections?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 20, 2026

Enter – PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. PRP injections offer a viable alternative to corticosteroid injections, without all of the nasty side effects.

What can you do instead of a cortisone shot?

Another alternative to cortisone injections is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP is a regenerative medicine where we help the body jumpstart its own healing. Using a concentrated solution of blood platelets, which contain proteins and growth factors, PRP can be injected unit the damaged area to promote healing.

Why you shouldn't get cortisone shots?

Temporary increase in blood sugar. Tendon weakening or rupture. Thinning of nearby bone (osteoporosis) Thinning of skin and soft tissue around the injection site.

Are gel shots better than cortisone?

Numerous studies have shown that the gel injections are no more helpful than cortisone injections. However, they do not harm the articular surface like cortisone. Unlike cortisone, 10%-20% of the patient may develop an adverse reaction to the shots and experience severe pain and swelling within 72 hours of injection.

What is the next step if a cortisone shot doesn't work?

If the first injection doesn't provide pain relief, your doctor may try a second injection four to six weeks later. If there's no improvement after the second injection, a third injection is not recommended.

35 related questions found

How long does cortisone stay in your system?

by Drugs.com

You could expect a dose of prednisone to stay in your system for 16.5 to 22 hours. The elimination half life of prednisone is around 3 to 4 hours. This is the time it takes for your body to reduce the plasma levels by half.

Can you get two cortisone shots at the same time in different areas?

Q: Is it possible to inject more than one body part at a time? A: Yes, it's possible to inject different parts of the body at the same time, but we have to look at the overall amount of cortisone we're injecting.

Is Synvisc better than cortisone?

Redd, MD from the William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, Texas, which concluded that Synvisc and Corticosteroid injections were found to be equally effective for knee osteoarthritis.

Does cortisone make arthritis worse?

15, 2019 (HealthDay News) -- Corticosteroid shots are often used to ease arthritis pain, but a new study suggests they may be riskier than thought. Researchers found that among patients who had the treatment at their center, 8% had complications. Most often, that meant a worsening in cartilage breakdown in the joint.

Can you get Synvisc and cortisone together?

No interactions were found between cortisone and Synvisc. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What are the pros and cons of a cortisone shot?

Corticosteroid injections may reduce pain and increase function (for the short term) but it does not mean they are good for the joint long term.
...
Cons of IACSs

  • joint pain and swelling.
  • stiffness.
  • weight gain.
  • sleep disturbances.
  • gastrointestinal issues.
  • osteoporosis.
  • pancreatitis.

Does cortisone help arthritis?

Cortisone shots can treat both inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, but they may be more effective at treating inflammatory arthritis than osteoarthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. “For osteoarthritis, sometimes people don't get relief, and it's hard to predict why,” says Dr.

Are cortisone shots worth it?

For some, cortisone injections have no benefit at all. Overall, the effect of a cortisone injection varies. There is good evidence that cortisone injections are helpful for hip, knee, and thumb arthritis. However, the effect of cortisone is short and lasts for only three months.

What is a natural cortisone?

Natural steroids typically refer to compounds found in plants, herbs, and other natural sources that mimic human hormones or steroids. Supporters of natural steroids claim they act in the body like anabolic steroids. These are compounds that build and repair muscle by increasing the production of testosterone.

What is the best injection for arthritis?

Cortisone is the most commonly used injection. We know that cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation, swelling, and pain. Overall, studies show short-term improvement in knee pain after a cortisone injection.

Is PRP better than cortisone?

Cortisone Injections have immediate pain relief but is primarily a temporary solution. With PRP on the other hand, it offers not only pain relief but also tissue regeneration and healing but has a longer healing and pain relief time.

Is a cortisone shot good for hip arthritis?

If pain caused by osteoarthritis of the hip keeps you from everyday activities even after you've tried other medical treatments, doctors may recommend an injection of medication directly into the arthritic joint. An injection of corticosteroids may reduce inflammation and ease pain.

Why is my hip worse after cortisone injection?

Some patients may experience a “cortisone flare” after their injection. This happens when the cortisone crystallizes and causes pain for a day or two. The pain may be worse than what you were living with before the shot. This is not a dangerous side effect, but it is uncomfortable.

Is a steroid shot the same as a cortisone shot?

Cortisone is medicine sometimes injected into the body to help ease pain and swelling from arthritis, injury or illness. Cortisone shots are sometimes called corticosteroid shots.

How can I rebuild my knee cartilage naturally?

Foods that Help Rebuild Cartilage

  1. Legumes. For optimal joint function, it is important to beat inflammation wherever possible—inflammation is the primary source of collagen and, by extension, cartilage breakdown. ...
  2. Oranges. ...
  3. Pomegranates. ...
  4. Green Tea. ...
  5. Brown Rice. ...
  6. Nuts. ...
  7. Brussel Sprouts.

Will Synvisc help bone on bone?

Answer. Synvisc and related preparations are probably less effective once the cartilage is gone and there is bone on bone. Joint replacement at that point is probably the only solution.

What are the best gel shots for knees?

Synvisc-One® (hylan G-F 20) is an injection that supplements the fluid in your knee to help lubricate and cushion the joint, and can provide up to six months of osteoarthritis knee pain relief.

What are the disadvantages and side effects of cortisone injections?

Cortisone Shot Disadvantages and Side Effects

Shrinkage and lightening of the color of the skin where you get the shot. Infection. Bleeding from broken blood vessels in the skin or muscle. Soreness where you get the shot.

Can I ask my doctor for a cortisone shot?

If you suffer from chronic pain, especially in your joints, you may wish to ask your medical provider if a cortisone shot would be beneficial as part of your treatment plan. If you are unable to see your specialist or general practitioner, you can access a medical provider easily at Physicians Immediate Care.

Can a cortisone shot affect your heart?

Prednisone and hydrocortisone are two examples of steroids. Yet well-known adverse effects of these potent anti-inflammatory medications can increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity -- risk factors for heart disease.