When dealing with knee osteoarthritis or other joint pain, injections are often recommended. But which option works best for your situation: a hyaluronic acid injection or a cortisone (corticosteroid) injection? In this article, we explain the key differences, how long each treatment lasts, and when doctors usually recommend them.
What Is a Cortisone Injection?
- Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections are powerful anti-inflammatory treatments.
- They are typically used for acute inflammation in joints or tendons.
- Relief is usually felt within a few days but is often temporary (on average 2–8 weeks).
- Repeated use may damage cartilage over time (Jüni et al., 2015).
Best suited for: short-term relief during painful flare-ups or severe swelling.
What Is a Hyaluronic Injection?
- Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally present in joint fluid that lubricates and cushions the joint.
- In osteoarthritis, its quality and amount decrease, causing stiffness and pain.
- Injections help restore lubrication, improving movement and reducing discomfort.
- Effects usually appear within 1–3 weeks and can last 4–6 months (Hochberg et al., 2012).
- Safe for repeated use, unlike cortisone.
Best suited for: patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis looking for long-term pain relief.
Cortisone vs. Hyaluronic Acid: Which Injection Should You Choose?
- Cortisone → for acute inflammation, quick relief during flare-ups.
- Hyaluronic acid → for long-term management of chronic knee osteoarthritis.
- Studies show hyaluronic acid works for around 60% of patients, and may even delay the need for knee replacement surgery by about two years (Hochberg et al., 2012).
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a natural, safe treatment with longer-lasting results, hyaluronic acid injections may be the better option.
If you need fast relief from a painful flare-up, cortisone injections can help in the short term.
Always discuss with your doctor which treatment is most appropriate for your specific condition.
References
Hochberg, M. C., Altman, R. D., April, K. T., Benkhalti, M., Guyatt, G., McGowan, J., … & Tugwell, P. (2012). American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care & Research, 64(4), 465–474. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.21596
Jüni, P., Hari, R., Rutjes, A. W. S., Fischer, R., Silletta, M. G., Reichenbach, S., & da Costa, B. R. (2015). Intra-articular corticosteroid for knee osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(10), CD005328. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005328.pub3
Related Questions:
-> How long does a hyaluronic acid injection last?
-> Are hyaluronic acid injections painful?
-> When should I choose cortisone over hyaluronic acid?
