We use cortisone injections to relieve pain from arthritis and tendonitis — directing cortisone to a joint or tendon reduces inflammation and improves pain and function. So, how long does a steroid shot last, and is there anything you can do to make the effect last longer?
(If you’re asking how long it takes to start working rather than how long it lasts, see how long it takes for a cortisone shot to work?)
What is a steroid shot?
A steroid shot is a corticosteroid — a manufactured drug resembling cortisol, the hormone made by the adrenal gland. It has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis and tendonitis.
What are steroid shots used for?
We use cortisone shots for many painful, inflammatory musculoskeletal conditions, including
How long does a steroid shot last?
Everyone responds differently — some people get a few weeks of relief, others a few months or longer. Overall, the effect lasts from about 6 weeks to 6 months. Several factors influence the duration.
The type of cortisone
Not all cortisones are the same. Triamcinolone (Kenalog) is a more potent, longer-lasting steroid (3–6 months); dexamethasone is a less potent, water-based steroid lasting 2–3 weeks. More potent steroids also carry harsher side effects, such as skin thinning, fat atrophy, or tendon weakening. The choice depends on what’s injected — we use more potent steroids such as Kenalog for large joints (hip, shoulder), and gentler steroids such as Depo-Medrol or dexamethasone for tendons, where potent cortisone raises the risk of tendon weakening and rupture.
How the shot is performed
A steroid shot can be done blind or with imaging. Ultrasound guidance places the steroid precisely, and a well-placed shot generally lasts longer than a blind one. Ask your practitioner whether they use ultrasound.
The type of problem injected
Purely inflammatory conditions respond better, and for longer, than degenerative ones. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis and trigger finger (tendon-sheath inflammation) respond much better than degenerative tendonitis or osteoarthritis. For arthritis, cortisone tends to last longer in smaller joints (thumb, big toe) than in large ones (hip, shoulder).
The severity of the problem
The more advanced the changes in the tissue, the shorter the effect. A cortisone shot into a mildly arthritic knee usually lasts longer than one into a severely degenerate joint.
Post-injection treatment
Physiotherapy is key to treating overuse conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis. A steroid shot opens a pain-free window to make rehab possible — and combining the two makes the benefit last longer than the injection alone.
How can you make a cortisone shot last longer?
Three things help: using the most appropriate cortisone for the condition, having the shot placed accurately with ultrasound, and following it with physiotherapy to build on the pain-free window.
Frequently asked questions about how long a cortisone shot lasts
Why did my cortisone shot wear off after a few weeks?
Often, because the underlying problem is degenerative (such as established arthritis) rather than purely inflammatory, or because the joint is severely affected, both shorten the duration. A more potent steroid, accurate ultrasound placement, and good rehab can all help the next one last longer.
Does a stronger cortisone always last longer?
More potent steroids (such as Kenalog) do last longer, but they carry more side effects — especially for tendons, where they raise the risk of weakening or rupture. So the strongest option isn’t always the right one; it depends on what’s being injected.
Can I have another cortisone shot when it wears off?
Usually, we wait at least 6 weeks before repeating injections, and we’re cautious about repeated injections in the same area. If two shots haven’t helped, we look at alternatives such as hyaluronic acid or PRP instead of a third shot.
Does a cortisone shot that lasts longer mean it’s working better?
Not necessarily — duration depends mostly on the condition and the joint, not on how “well” the cortisone works. The aim is to use the pain-free window for rehab, which is what produces lasting improvement.
Final word from Sport Doctor London about how long a steroid shot lasts
Many factors influence how long a steroid shot lasts — generally, from a few weeks to 6 months. The type of cortisone, accurate ultrasound placement, and good physiotherapy afterwards all help you get the most from it. Speak to an experienced doctor about the best approach for your problem.
To discuss a cortisone injection with Dr Masci in London, contact the team here or call +44 (0) 203 488 0350.
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