PRP vs. Cortisone Injections: Which Treatment Is Better for Joint Pain and Arthritis?
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Understanding the Differences Between PRP and Cortisone for Knee Pain, Arthritis, Tendon Injuries, and Sports Medicine Conditions
If you’re dealing with joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis, or a sports injury, you may have heard about two common treatment options: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and cortisone injections.
Both treatments may help relieve pain, but they work in very different ways and are used for different purposes. Cortisone primarily reduces inflammation. PRP, on the other hand, is intended to support the body’s natural healing response.
At Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, our specialists help patients from Sterling, South Riding, Ashburn, Leesburg, Reston, Herndon, Chantilly, and communities throughout Northern Virginia determine which treatment may be the best fit for their condition.
Learn more about our Regenerative Medicine and PRP Treatments and our Non-Surgical Orthopaedic Treatments.
What Is a Cortisone Injection?
A cortisone injection contains a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that’s delivered directly into a painful joint, tendon sheath, or soft tissue structure.
Orthopaedic specialists have used cortisone for decades, and it remains one of the most common treatments for pain caused by inflammation.
Conditions commonly treated with cortisone include:
What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma, commonly called PRP, is a regenerative medicine treatment made from a concentrated portion of your own blood.
During a PRP procedure:
A small sample of blood is drawn.
The blood is placed in a centrifuge for processing.
Platelets and growth factors are concentrated.
The resulting PRP is injected into the injured area.
These concentrated growth factors may help activate the body’s natural healing response and support tissue repair.
Unlike cortisone, PRP doesn’t contain medication. Because the treatment is prepared from your own blood, it’s considered autologous.
How Do Cortisone and PRP Work Differently?
The main difference between cortisone and PRP comes down to what each treatment is intended to accomplish.
Cortisone
Cortisone's main purpose is to control symptoms. It primarily works by:
Reducing inflammation
Decreasing swelling
Relieving pain
Improving short-term function
PRP
PRP's primary goal is biological healing and regeneration. It is intented to:
Stimulate healing
Support tissue repair
Promote recovery
Improve long-term function
PRP vs Cortisone: Side-by-Side Comparison
Feature | Cortisone | PRP |
Source | Medication | Patient's own blood |
Purpose | Reduce inflammation | Support healing |
Onset of Relief | Often days | Often weeks |
Duration | Often temporary | May provide longer-term benefit |
Treats Symptoms | Yes | Yes |
Supports Healing | Limited | Potentially |
Insurance Coverage | Often covered | Usually not covered |
Repeat Treatments | Common | Sometimes recommended |
Which Treatment Works Faster?
Cortisone
Cortisone typically provides faster pain relief. Many patients begin to notice improvement within a few days, although it may take one to two weeks to experience the full effect.
That makes cortisone particularly useful when symptoms need to be brought under control quickly.
PRP
PRP usually takes longer to produce noticeable results.
Some patients begin improving over several weeks, while others may not notice a meaningful difference for one to three months.
Because PRP relies on biological healing processes rather than medication, results tend to develop gradually. Patience is often part of the process.
Is PRP Better Than Cortisone for Arthritis?
Research is still evolving, but many studies suggest that PRP may provide longer-lasting improvement for certain people with osteoarthritis, particularly knee arthritis.
PRP may be considered for:
Mild to moderate arthritis
Active individuals
Patients looking for an alternative to repeated steroid injections
Patients hoping to delay surgery
PRP isn’t a cure for arthritis, however, and it may not be appropriate for every patient
When Cortisone May Be the Better Choice
A cortisone injection may be preferred when:
Significant inflammation is present
Fast pain relief is needed
Symptoms are disrupting sleep
Insurance coverage is an important consideration
The injection may provide useful diagnostic information
Common examples include:
Severe bursitis
Trigger finger
Acute inflammatory flare-ups
Shoulder impingement
Certain tendon sheath conditions
When PRP May Be the Better Choice
PRP may be an option for patients who are interested in a regenerative approach to treatment.
Conditions that may respond well to PRP include:
Certain ligament injuries
Chronic tendon injuries
Can PRP Help Avoid Surgery?
In some cases, PRP may improve pain and function enough to help a patient delay or avoid surgery.
There are limits to what it can accomplish, though. PRP cannot:
Patients with severe joint damage may ultimately need surgical treatment.
Are Cortisone Injections Safe?
When used appropriately, cortisone injections are generally considered safe.
Possible risks and side effects include:
A temporary increase in pain
Skin discoloration
Elevated blood sugar in patients with diabetes
Infection, although this is rare
Tendon weakening with excessive use
To reduce the risk of long-term effects, many orthopaedic specialists limit how frequently cortisone injections are given.
Is PRP Safe?
Because PRP is prepared from your own blood, serious complications are uncommon.
Possible side effects include:
Temporary soreness
Swelling
Bruising
Discomfort at the injection site
Most patients tolerate PRP very well.
Can I Have Both PRP and Cortisone?
In some situations, yes.
The best treatment plan depends on several factors, including:
Your diagnosis
The severity of your symptoms
Your treatment goals
How you’ve responded to previous injections
Your orthopaedic specialist can help determine whether cortisone, PRP, or a combination approach may be appropriate.
What Conditions Do We Commonly Treat With Injections?
At Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics, injection therapies are commonly used to treat a range of orthopaedic and sports medicine conditions.
Arthritis
Sports Injuries
Foot & Ankle Conditions
Hand & Wrist Conditions
Learn more about our:
Who Performs PRP and Injection Treatments?
Injection treatments are performed by experienced specialists, including:
Other orthopaedic specialists, depending on the condition being treated
Our team evaluates every patient individually before recommending a treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP more effective than cortisone?
It depends on the condition being treated. PRP may provide longer-lasting benefits for some patients, while cortisone often delivers faster pain relief.
Does insurance cover PRP?
Several insurance plans currently cover PRP injections. Coverage policies vary, so patients should confirm their benefits directly with their insurance provider.
How long does a cortisone shot last?
The length of relief varies based on the patient and the condition being treated. Benefits may last anywhere from several weeks to several months.
How many PRP injections do I need?
Some patients improve after one PRP treatment. Others may benefit from a series of injections.
Which is better for knee arthritis: PRP or cortisone?
Both treatments can be effective. PRP may provide longer-lasting symptom improvement for some patients with mild to moderate arthritis, while cortisone often offers faster relief.
Schedule an Evaluation
If arthritis, tendon pain, or a sports injury is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, our specialists can help determine whether PRP, cortisone injections, physical therapy, or another treatment option may be right for you.
Arthritis & Sports Orthopaedics offers comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care to help patients throughout Northern Virginia stay active and move with less pain.
