When joint or tendon pain won't go away on its own, injections are often the next step before considering surgery. Two of the most common options are cortisone (corticosteroid) injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Both can reduce pain and improve function — but they work very differently, and the right choice depends on your specific condition.
Cortisone injections
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid that reduces swelling and pain quickly — often within 24 to 48 hours. It's been the standard injection treatment for decades and is covered by virtually all insurance plans.
Best for: Acute flare-ups, bursitis, severe inflammatory arthritis episodes, and situations where you need fast relief. Cortisone works especially well for conditions driven primarily by inflammation, such as a swollen knee or inflamed shoulder bursa.
Limitations: The relief is temporary — typically lasting 4 to 12 weeks. Repeated cortisone injections (more than 3–4 per year in the same joint) can weaken tendons and accelerate cartilage breakdown over time. It treats symptoms but doesn't heal the underlying tissue damage.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
PRP is a regenerative treatment made from your own blood. A sample is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected into the injured area. The goal is to stimulate the body's own healing response.
Best for: Chronic tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinitis), mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and conditions where tissue healing is the goal — not just symptom control. PRP is increasingly used for rotator cuff tendinopathy and early knee arthritis.
Limitations: PRP takes longer to work — typically 4 to 6 weeks before you notice improvement, with full benefit at 3 to 6 months. It's not covered by most insurance plans, so out-of-pocket costs are a factor (typically $500–$1,500 per injection). The research is promising but still evolving for some conditions.
How to choose
If you need fast relief for an acute flare and the condition is primarily inflammatory, cortisone is often the right first step. It's proven, covered by insurance, and works within days.
If you have a chronic tendon issue or early arthritis and want to address the underlying tissue damage rather than just mask symptoms, PRP may offer a better long-term outcome — especially if you've already tried cortisone and the pain keeps returning.
Many patients benefit from a combined approach: a cortisone injection for immediate relief followed by PRP for longer-term healing once the acute inflammation subsides.
Our approach at Restore Orthopedics
Dr. Eric Chang and Dr. Andrew Germanovich specialize in interventional pain management and regenerative medicine. Both types of injections are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for precise placement. During your consultation, they'll review your imaging, discuss your goals, and recommend the approach most likely to get you the best results.
Image-guided precision
All injections at Restore Orthopedics — whether PRP or cortisone — are performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. Precise needle placement is essential for maximum effectiveness and avoiding surrounding structures.
Living with joint or tendon pain? We can help.
Same-week appointments. Most insurances and Medicare accepted.
Call (714) 598-1745