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Historically cortisone shots in the knee have been one of the most common treatments in orthopedic surgery. We still use them for patients with knee arthritis, and occasionally we will try one for a patient with knee pain and swelling for other reasons. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I discuss the pros and cons of cortisone injections as well as what they actually do.

Please note: I don't respond to questions and requests for specific medical advice left in the comments to my videos. I receive too many to keep up (several hundred per week), and legally I can't offer specific medical advice to people who aren't my patients (see below). If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my Resources page: https://www.drdavidgeier.com/resources/

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Rawya in North Carolina asks:
I have a degenerative posterior horn meniscus tear in my knee and a small ulcer in the bone. It has been almost nine weeks. I’ve tried anti-inflammatory medications and ice, and I saw several doctors. The knee is swollen and uncomfortable. Would a steroid shot help? Or would extraction of the fluid help relieve the pain? Are there any side effects to the cortisone? Or would the swelling reoccur, and if so, would it be more severe?

Cortisone is a steroid that acts to decrease inflammation in the knee. In some ways, it’s much like taking a large dose of anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, but the effects work only on the knee since that is where it’s placed. Cortisone doesn’t help the injured structure within the knee heal or return to normal, but it can help to decrease pain and swelling.

In this video, I share my thoughts on when these treatments can be a good idea. For what problems are cortisone shots helpful, and when would they not provide much relief? Are they harmful to the knee? Can I get too many cortisone shots? And what other options are available?

Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.