Medically reviewed by Dr James Bristol, MD, PhD · Updated 2026-11-14
Cortisone injections relieve tendon pain quickly but often only for weeks. For tennis elbow, a Lancet review found worse results at 6 to 12 months than no injection. Cortisone into the Achilles is avoided because of rupture risk. It is most useful for frozen shoulder in the painful phase and for bursitis.
Use with care
- Limit repeat injections
- Combine with rehab, never instead of it
- Ask about PRP for tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis