Corticosteroid Injections: What They Are, How They Work, and What Alternatives Exist

When you hear corticosteroid injections, a medical treatment that delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medicine directly into affected areas like joints, tendons, or soft tissues. Also known as cortisone shots, they’re one of the most common ways doctors quickly reduce swelling and pain without surgery. These aren’t just painkillers—they stop the body’s inflammatory response at the source, which is why they work so well for conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, or bursitis.

People often turn to corticosteroid injections after oral meds like ibuprofen or naproxen don’t cut it. They’re especially useful when pain is localized—say, a sore shoulder from overuse, a swollen knee from osteoarthritis, or a pinched nerve in the spine. The shot hits the problem area fast, usually bringing relief in a few days. But they’re not a forever fix. Most doctors limit them to three or four times a year per joint because too much can weaken tendons or damage cartilage over time.

Related treatments like hyaluronic acid injections, a lubricating fluid used mainly for knee osteoarthritis or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a treatment that uses your own blood to trigger healing are gaining traction as alternatives. Unlike corticosteroids, which suppress inflammation, PRP and hyaluronic acid aim to repair tissue. Then there are non-injection options—physical therapy, weight management, or even topical anti-inflammatories—that some patients use before or instead of shots.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of drugs. It’s a real-world look at how people manage chronic pain and inflammation. You’ll see comparisons between medications like corticosteroid injections and other treatments, breakdowns of side effects, and insights on who benefits most. Whether you’re considering your first shot, wondering why it didn’t work, or looking for something gentler, the guides here give you the facts without the fluff.