What is the shot they give you for inflammation?: Exploring Anti-Inflammatory Injections

October 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Yale Medicine, musculoskeletal pain and inflammation are often treated with cortisone shots, especially for chronic conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. If you've been wondering what is the shot they give you for inflammation, the answer most commonly involves these potent anti-inflammatory medications. This guide explores the different types of injections and how they work to relieve your pain.

Quick Summary

Anti-inflammatory shots typically contain corticosteroids, such as cortisone, to reduce localized swelling and discomfort. They are used for various conditions, including arthritis, bursitis, and tendinitis, providing temporary, targeted pain relief.

Key Points

Corticosteroid injections are the most common shot for inflammation. They reduce swelling and pain by suppressing the immune system in a targeted area.
Corticosteroid shots do not cure the underlying problem but provide temporary relief, typically lasting weeks to months.
Common conditions treated include arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, and nerve compression issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.
Injections often contain a local anesthetic like lidocaine to provide immediate, short-term pain relief.
Potential side effects include injection site pain, temporary blood sugar elevation, and, rarely, tendon rupture or cartilage damage with repeated use.
Alternatives to corticosteroid shots exist, such as NSAID injections (Toradol) and regenerative therapies like PRP, as well as physical therapy and lifestyle changes.
Providers limit the frequency of steroid injections for a single joint to prevent long-term damage, typically allowing no more than three or four per year.

Corticosteroid Injections: The Primary Solution

For many musculoskeletal and joint issues, the primary shot given for inflammation is a corticosteroid injection, commonly known as a cortisone shot. These are synthetic hormones that suppress the immune system and target the inflammatory response. Unlike anabolic steroids, which build muscle, corticosteroids reduce swelling and calm irritated tissues to relieve pain, but they don't fix the underlying cause. Physical therapy may be necessary to address the root issue.

How Corticosteroids Work

Corticosteroids reduce the body's inflammatory response when injected into an inflamed area. This action decreases swelling and calms tissues, leading to pain relief. However, they treat the symptoms rather than the cause of inflammation. They are often part of a broader treatment plan.

Common Corticosteroid Drugs

Different corticosteroids are used in injections:

Methylprednisolone (Depo-Medrol): A long-acting option providing sustained relief.
Triamcinolone (Kenalog): A potent choice for conditions like arthritis and dermatitis.
Dexamethasone: A fast-acting, non-particulate steroid often used in spinal injections.

The Injection Procedure

Anti-inflammatory injections are generally performed in a doctor's office.

Steps for a Corticosteroid Injection:

Preparation: The injection site is cleaned.
Anesthetic: A local anesthetic like lidocaine is often used to minimize discomfort.
Guidance: Ultrasound or fluoroscopy may be used to guide the needle for accuracy.
Injection: Medication is injected into the affected area.
Post-Procedure: Rest and ice are recommended after the injection.

Conditions Treated by Anti-Inflammatory Shots

These injections treat various conditions caused by localized inflammation.

Arthritis: Providing temporary relief for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Tendinitis: Treating inflammation in tendons, though repeated injections carry a risk of weakening.
Bursitis: Addressing inflammation of the bursae near joints.
Nerve Compression: Reducing swelling in conditions like carpal tunnel or sciatica.
Plantar Fasciitis: Alleviating heel pain from inflamed foot tissue.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, anti-inflammatory injections can have side effects and risks.

Common Minor Side Effects

Injection Site Pain: Temporary soreness or a "steroid flare".
Temporary Blood Sugar Increase: Important for those with diabetes to monitor.
Facial Flushing: Temporary redness of the face.
Skin Changes: Possible lightening or thinning of the skin at the site.

Less Common and Long-Term Risks

Infection: A rare risk with any injection.
Tendon Rupture: Increased risk with repeated injections directly into a tendon.
Cartilage Damage: Potential long-term risk with frequent joint injections. Doctors usually limit injections to three or four per joint per year.
Adrenal Suppression: Can occur with very frequent or high-dose use.

Comparison of Injection Types


Feature	Corticosteroid Injections	NSAID Injections (e.g., Toradol)	Regenerative Therapies (e.g., PRP)
Drug Type	Synthetic adrenal gland hormone	Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug	Platelet-rich plasma from patient's blood
Primary Function	Suppresses the immune and inflammatory response	Blocks pain and inflammation via specific enzymes	Uses growth factors to promote tissue repair and healing
Onset of Action	Immediate for anesthetic; steroid effect within a few days	Can provide rapid relief, often within a couple of days	Takes weeks or months to see results, as healing occurs
Duration of Relief	Weeks to months; depends on the condition	Varies; sometimes shorter-term relief	Potentially longer-lasting, addressing the root cause
Risk of Tissue Damage	Repeated injections can weaken tendons or damage cartilage	Less risk of tendon/cartilage damage compared to steroids	Minimal risk, as it uses the body's own components

Alternatives to Injections

Other treatment options include:

Physical Therapy: To improve strength and stability.
NSAIDs (Oral): Systemic pain and inflammation management.
PRP Injections: Stimulate healing using the patient's own platelets.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Lubricate joints, mainly for knee osteoarthritis.
Lifestyle Adjustments: Anti-inflammatory diet and stress management.

Conclusion: Is an Anti-Inflammatory Shot Right for You?

Corticosteroid injections are a common and effective temporary solution for localized pain and inflammation. They are useful for conditions like bursitis and arthritis flare-ups, but they treat symptoms and carry risks with repeated use. Discussing potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider is crucial, considering alternatives like physical therapy, NSAID injections, or regenerative therapies. A comprehensive treatment plan and full medical history discussion are essential before any injection.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most common shot given for inflammation is a corticosteroid injection, often called a cortisone shot. These injections contain a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that provides targeted relief to a specific area.

The duration of relief from an anti-inflammatory shot varies. For many, a corticosteroid injection can provide pain relief for several weeks to a few months, depending on the individual and the condition being treated.

Corticosteroid injections are synthetic versions of natural hormones that suppress the immune response, while NSAID injections, like Toradol, block inflammation through a different mechanism. Corticosteroids can have a longer-lasting effect, but NSAIDs may have a lower risk of certain long-term tissue damage.

Pain during the injection can vary depending on the location. Many cortisone injections include a numbing medication, such as lidocaine, for immediate comfort. Post-injection, some may experience a temporary "steroid flare" of increased pain before the steroid's full anti-inflammatory effect begins.

Common side effects include temporary pain at the injection site, facial flushing, increased blood sugar levels for a few days (important for diabetics), and skin discoloration or thinning. Serious side effects like infection are rare.

For a single joint, physicians typically recommend limiting steroid injections to no more than three or four times per year to minimize the risk of cartilage damage or other long-term side effects. The specific timing can vary by condition and provider.

It is possible, but individuals with diabetes should inform their doctor. Corticosteroid injections can cause a temporary elevation in blood sugar levels, so closer monitoring of blood glucose may be necessary for several days after the shot.