Why Cortisone Shots Aren’t the Best Long-Term Solution for Joint Pain And Why Regenerative Therapies Are a Better Option
Joint pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek medical care. For years, cortisone (steroid) injections have been a go-to treatment for pain and inflammation in the knees, shoulders, hips, and other joints. While cortisone shots may offer short-term relief, they often fail to address the root cause of joint degeneration—and in some cases, they may actually worsen it over time.
The Problem with Cortisone Injections
Cortisone works by reducing inflammation, which is why patients often feel rapid relief after an injection. However, this relief is temporary and comes with important limitations:
Short-term pain relief only – Cortisone does not repair damaged cartilage, ligaments, or tendons. Once the medication wears off, pain frequently returns.
Cartilage breakdown – Repeated cortisone injections have been shown to accelerate cartilage degeneration, potentially worsening arthritis.
Weakened tissues – Steroids can weaken tendons and ligaments over time, increasing the risk of injury.
Masking the problem – By reducing pain without healing the joint, cortisone may allow patients to continue activities that further damage the joint.
For these reasons, cortisone injections may be helpful in limited situations but are not an ideal long-term strategy for joint health.
A Better Approach: Regenerative Therapies
Regenerative therapies focus on supporting the body’s natural healing processes rather than simply suppressing symptoms. These treatments aim to repair, restore, and strengthen joint tissue.
Common regenerative options include:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Uses your body’s own growth factors to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation naturally.
Biologic therapies – Enhance cellular communication to promote healing and reduce chronic inflammation. Helps support regeneration of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments while improving joint function.
Why Regenerative Treatments Make Sense
Address the root cause of joint pain rather than just masking symptoms
Support tissue repair and regeneration
Long-lasting improvement instead of temporary relief
Reduced risk of joint deterioration compared to repeated steroid injections
Patients often report improved mobility, decreased pain, and better overall joint function with regenerative therapies—without the long-term risks associated with steroids.
The Goal: Preserve Your Joints, Not Just Numb the Pain
If you are struggling with chronic joint pain, cortisone injections may provide temporary relief, but they should not be your only option. Regenerative therapies offer a proactive approach that supports healing, protects joint integrity, and helps patients stay active longer.
At Revive Clinic, we believe in treating the cause—not just the symptoms. Our team specializes in regenerative joint treatments designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and avoid unnecessary joint damage.
📞 Contact us today to learn which regenerative therapy may be right for you.
