SHOULDER ARTHRITIS
Shoulder Arthritis
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can be an effective treatment for shoulder arthritis by reducing inflammation and relieving pain. While injections do not reverse arthritis or restore cartilage, they often help patients remain active and delay surgery when appropriate.
Reduce Inflammation
Usually Temporary
Does Not Regrow
Improve Function
How Do Cortisone Injections Work?
Shoulder arthritis causes inflammation inside the joint in addition to cartilage loss. A corticosteroid injection helps decrease that inflammation, often leading to less pain and improved shoulder function.
Although many patients experience meaningful relief, the injection does not repair damaged cartilage or stop the progression of arthritis.
Dr. Streit's Clinical Perspective
I think of a cortisone injection as a treatment to improve symptoms—not to cure arthritis. For many patients it can provide an opportunity to remain active, participate more effectively in physical therapy, or postpone surgery until the timing is right.
Who May Benefit From An Injection?
Early Arthritis
Patients with mild or moderate arthritis often experience meaningful pain relief.
Temporary Symptom Flare
An injection may calm inflammation during a painful flare-up.
Not Ready For Surgery
Many patients prefer to delay shoulder replacement while maintaining acceptable function.
Diagnostic Value
Relief after an injection can help confirm that the shoulder joint is the primary source of pain.
Important Event Ahead
Some patients seek temporary pain relief before travel, family events, or athletic activities.
Medical Reasons
Patients who are not candidates for surgery may benefit from periodic injections.
How Long Does A Cortisone Injection Last?
There is no single answer. Some patients experience relief for several weeks, while others improve for several months. The duration depends on the severity of arthritis, the amount of inflammation present, activity level, and individual response.
Important Point
The injection treats inflammation—not the underlying cartilage loss. As the medication gradually wears off, symptoms may slowly return.
How Many Injections Can I Receive?
There is no universal number that applies to every patient. The decision depends on how much relief each injection provides, how frequently injections are needed, your overall health, and whether shoulder replacement is likely in the near future.
Repeated injections that provide only short-lived relief often indicate that it is time to discuss more definitive treatment options.
What I Tell My Patients
"If an injection gives you excellent relief for a long period of time, that's a success. If you're needing injections more and more frequently just to get by, we should have a conversation about whether another treatment would give you a better long-term result."
When Is It Time To Consider Shoulder Replacement Instead?
Relief Is Becoming Shorter
Night Pain Persists
Motion Continues To Decline
Daily Activities Are Limited
Multiple Treatments Have Failed
Quality Of Life Is Declining
Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Injection Cure My Arthritis?
No. It reduces inflammation and pain but does not restore cartilage.
Can I Still Have A Shoulder Replacement Later?
Yes. Many patients receive injections before eventually deciding that shoulder replacement is the better long-term solution. The timing of surgery after an injection should be discussed with your surgeon.
Related Resources
Considering A Shoulder Injection?
A shoulder-specific evaluation can determine whether a corticosteroid injection is appropriate for your arthritis or whether another treatment would provide a better long-term outcome.
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