How long do cortisone shots last?: A guide to injection duration and effectiveness

October 10, 2025 •

4 min read

Pain relief from a cortisone injection can begin within 24-72 hours, with effects lasting from several weeks to six months, depending on various factors. This variability is a key consideration for anyone wondering how long do cortisone shots last?

Quick Summary

The temporary pain relief from cortisone injections varies significantly based on the treated condition, injection site, and individual health factors. Effects typically range from several weeks to several months, and the shots are a temporary way to manage pain and inflammation, not a permanent solution.

Key Points

Variable Duration: Cortisone shot relief typically lasts from six weeks to six months, with significant variability between individuals.
Factors Impacting Longevity: Duration is affected by the underlying condition, the injection site, and individual patient characteristics.
Temporary Relief: The shots are an anti-inflammatory tool to manage symptoms, not a permanent cure for the underlying issue.
Comprehensive Treatment: Cortisone is often most effective when combined with other therapies, like physical therapy, to promote long-term recovery.
Limited Frequency: Due to potential side effects like tissue damage, doctors limit the number of cortisone injections in the same area per year.
Mechanism of Action: The steroid suppresses the body's inflammatory response, and as it's metabolized, the anti-inflammatory effect diminishes.

The Variable Lifespan of a Cortisone Shot

A cortisone shot is a targeted anti-inflammatory treatment used to relieve pain and swelling in specific areas of the body, such as joints, tendons, and bursae. The active ingredient is a corticosteroid, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. While highly effective for many, the duration of relief is not uniform and depends on several factors. On average, patients can expect the effects to last anywhere from six weeks to six months, though some may experience shorter or longer periods of relief. The relief from the local anesthetic wears off within hours, but the corticosteroid's anti-inflammatory effects can take a few days to peak.

Unlike some medications that provide consistent results, the longevity of a cortisone injection is influenced by both the specific medical condition being treated and the individual's unique response. For some, a single shot can be a turning point that allows them to start physical therapy and achieve long-term recovery. For others with chronic or progressive conditions, the relief may be shorter-lived, and symptoms may return as the effect wears off.

Key Factors Influencing Injection Duration

The wide range in how long a cortisone shot lasts can be attributed to several interacting variables. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations for treatment outcomes.

Underlying Medical Condition

The nature of the ailment plays a significant role. Acute conditions, like a flare-up of bursitis or a new injury, may respond very well to a cortisone shot, potentially leading to a longer period of relief. However, chronic, degenerative conditions like advanced osteoarthritis involve ongoing tissue damage, meaning the anti-inflammatory effect is temporary, and symptoms are more likely to return. For example, studies have shown that for conditions like tennis elbow, the benefit from a cortisone shot might last around three months, after which the risks of repeated shots might outweigh the benefits.

Location of the Injection

The specific site where the cortisone is injected can influence how long the medication remains effective. Shots administered into larger joints, such as the knee or hip, often provide longer-lasting relief compared to those in smaller joints like the wrist or ankle. Tendons, which have more limited circulation, may also experience shorter periods of relief. The level of movement and stress on the injected area can also impact how quickly the medication is absorbed and metabolized.

Individual Patient Factors

Each patient's unique physiological makeup affects the injection's outcome. General health, age, and metabolism all play a part. Younger, healthier individuals may experience a longer duration of relief than older patients with more severe or chronic conditions. For individuals with diabetes, it's particularly important to monitor blood sugar levels, as cortisone can cause them to rise temporarily.

Frequency of Injections

Repeatedly injecting cortisone into the same site can lead to diminishing returns. Over time, the body may become less responsive to the medication, resulting in shorter periods of relief with each subsequent injection. Furthermore, frequent injections into the same area can lead to complications such as tendon weakening, cartilage damage, or skin thinning, which is why doctors typically limit the number of shots to no more than three or four per year in a single joint.

Cortisone Injections: Temporary Relief, Not a Cure

The effectiveness of cortisone shots lies in their ability to powerfully suppress inflammation. The shots contain a corticosteroid drug that mimics the body's natural cortisol, reducing the inflammatory molecules that cause pain and swelling. However, this action does not repair underlying tissue damage. Once the medication is absorbed and eliminated from the body, the inflammatory process may resume, and pain can return. This highlights why cortisone shots are often part of a broader, multi-modal treatment plan.

Comparison of Pain Management Strategies

To understand the role of cortisone, it's helpful to compare it with other common strategies.


Feature	Cortisone Injections	Oral NSAIDs	Physical Therapy
Speed of Relief	Rapid (24-72 hours)	Moderate (hours to days)	Slow, gradual
Duration of Effect	Weeks to months	Hours to days	Potentially long-term
Mechanism	Targeted, powerful anti-inflammatory	Systemic anti-inflammatory	Addresses root cause through strengthening and mobility
Common Side Effects	Injection site pain, blood sugar spike	Gastrointestinal issues, kidney problems	Muscle soreness
Best For	Acute inflammation, localized pain flares	Mild to moderate systemic pain	Long-term functional improvement
Longevity of Solution	Temporary symptom relief	Temporary symptom relief	Permanent management strategy

The Broader Treatment Plan

Because cortisone shots offer temporary relief, they are most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments. A comprehensive approach, including physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and weight management, can help address the root cause of the pain and extend the benefits of the injection. Physical therapy can strengthen supporting muscles and improve joint mechanics, reducing the stress on the affected area and promoting long-term healing. Lifestyle changes, such as modifying activities or footwear, can also have a significant impact on managing chronic pain. Working with a healthcare provider to develop a comprehensive strategy is key to achieving the best possible outcome.

For more information on orthopedic conditions and their management, you can consult reputable sources such as the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Conclusion

While providing potent, targeted pain relief, it's important to remember that the answer to how long do cortisone shots last? is not a fixed one. The duration, typically ranging from weeks to months, is influenced by the specific condition, injection location, and individual patient factors. Cortisone shots are a valuable, but temporary, tool in the management of pain and inflammation and are most successful when integrated into a broader treatment plan focused on long-term health and function. Always discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for your unique situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may experience a temporary numbing effect for a few hours from the local anesthetic in the shot. The corticosteroid itself typically begins to provide pain relief within 24 to 72 hours, with the full effect often felt within a week.

No, a cortisone shot does not cure the underlying condition causing the pain. It temporarily suppresses the inflammation, which can provide significant relief, but it does not address or repair the root cause.

The duration of relief can be shorter due to factors such as the severity of the condition, the location of the injection (e.g., a high-mobility joint or tendon), or the individual's metabolic response. In some cases, repeated injections can also lead to a shorter duration of effect.

Yes, but doctors generally recommend limiting injections to no more than three or four times per year in the same joint. This is to reduce the risk of potential side effects, such as tissue weakening and cartilage damage.

Common side effects can include a temporary flare-up of pain or swelling at the injection site for a day or two. Other possible, less common side effects include temporary facial flushing, localized skin discoloration, and a temporary increase in blood sugar for those with diabetes.

A cortisone shot can be very effective for both, but its longevity differs. For acute inflammation, a single shot might lead to prolonged relief. For chronic conditions like advanced arthritis, the relief may be shorter-lived because the shot doesn't stop the underlying disease progression.

If a cortisone shot provides no or very limited relief, your doctor will consider other treatment options. These may include physical therapy, different medications, other types of injections (like hyaluronic acid), or evaluating potential surgical interventions.