What Are Cortisone Injections?Understanding How They Work for Pain Relief

When joint or soft tissue pain starts interfering with your daily life, cortisone injections can offer fast, effective relief. These injections are often used to treat inflammation and reduce pain in a variety of orthopedic conditions. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), Dr. Matthew Gnirke and Dr. Scott Raub specialize in using image-guided cortisone injections as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical treatment approach.

In this post, we’ll explore what cortisone injections are, how they work, and when they might be right for you.

What Is a Cortisone Injection?

Cortisone injections—also known as corticosteroid injections—are anti-inflammatory medications delivered directly into joints, tendons, or bursae to reduce pain and swelling. These injections don’t just mask symptoms; they target inflammation at the source.

Common conditions treated with cortisone injections include:

• Arthritis

• Bursitis

• Tendonitis

• Joint impingement

• Back or neck pain

At VSON, Dr. Gnirke and Dr. Raub often use ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance to ensure the cortisone is precisely placed where it’s needed most.

How Do Cortisone Injections Work?

Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a hormone naturally produced by your body to manage inflammation. When injected directly into an inflamed area, cortisone works by:

• Reducing inflammation in the targeted tissue

• Easing pain by relieving pressure and irritation

• Improving mobility by reducing stiffness and swelling

Patients often experience relief within a few days, with effects lasting anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition and severity of inflammation.

Drs. Gnirke and Raub emphasizes that while cortisone injections can be very effective, they are typically used in combination with other treatments like physical therapy or lifestyle changes for lasting results.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Cortisone injections are performed in-office and usually take just a few minutes. At VSON, Dr. Gnirke and Dr. Raub prioritize patient comfort and precision during the procedure.

Here’s what you can expect:

• The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.

• The cortisone is injected using a thin needle, often guided by ultrasound or fluoroscopy.

• You may experience temporary soreness or a “cortisone flare” for 24–48 hours before feeling relief.

Most patients can return to normal activity the same day, although you may be advised to rest the affected area for a short time.

Are Cortisone Injections Right for You?

Cortisone injections are ideal for managing pain and inflammation that hasn’t responded to other treatments like rest, medication, or therapy. They’re especially useful for people looking to avoid or delay surgery.

Dr. Gnirke and Dr. Raub may recommend cortisone injections if you have:

• Persistent joint pain limiting your mobility

• Localized inflammation that hasn’t improved with conservative care

• Acute flare-ups of chronic conditions like arthritis

At VSON, your care is always tailored to your specific needs and goals. If cortisone isn’t the right fit, our team will help guide you toward the most effective alternatives.

Expert Pain Management at VSON

Whether you’re managing arthritis in your knee, shoulder impingement, or chronic spine pain, Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery is here to help. Dr. Matthew Gnirke and Dr. Scott Raub bring extensive experience and advanced techniques to every patient encounter.

We offer:

• Diagnoses: Using imaging and physical exams to pinpoint the source of pain.

• Image-Guided Injections: Ensuring safe and effective delivery of medication.

• Whole-Person Care: Integrating injections with physical therapy and lifestyle modifications.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

If joint or spine pain is keeping you from enjoying life, a cortisone injection may provide the relief you need. At VSON, Dr. Gnirke and Dr. Raub are here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love.

Schedule a consultation today to learn if cortisone injections are the right step for your pain relief journey.