Injections for Shoulder & Elbow Conditions

What is the goal of an injection?

The goal of any injection is to improve symptoms. Some injections focus on reducing inflammation and pain, while others aim to support healing over time. None of these injections “fix” structural problems such as large tendon tears, instability, or advanced arthritis, but they can play a role in symptom management and recovery.

Cortisone Injections

What is a cortisone injection used for?

Cortisone is used to reduce inflammation-driven pain. It is often helpful when pain is coming from irritated joints, bursae, or inflamed soft tissues.

How does cortisone work?

Cortisone is a strong anti-inflammatory medication. When injected locally, it quiets the inflammatory response by suppressing inflammatory chemicals in the area. This can reduce swelling and pain.

What results should I expect?

Relief usually begins within a few days and may continue to improve over one to two weeks. If effective, the benefit often lasts weeks to months. The degree and duration of relief vary from person to person.

What are the drawbacks of cortisone?

• The effect is temporary and does not correct the underlying problem

• Repeated injections can weaken tendons and may affect cartilage health

• Benefits often decrease with repeated use

• Temporary blood sugar elevation can occur, especially in patients with diabetes

• Small risks include infection, skin color changes, fat atrophy, or a brief pain flare

Bottom line on cortisone

Cortisone is best viewed as a short-term anti-inflammatory tool. It can reduce pain and improve function, but it does not heal damaged tissue or reverse structural disease.

Toradol (Ketoralac) Injections

What is a toradol injection used for?

Toradol blocks prostaglandins, which are chemicals involved in pain and inflammation. Unlike cortisone, it does not affect tissue metabolism or immune response.

What results should I expect?

Pain relief often begins quickly—sometimes within hours or days. The effect is usually shorter than cortisone and often lasts days to a few weeks.

What are the drawbacks of Toradol?

• Shorter duration of relief compared with cortisone

• Does not address the underlying structural issue

• Limited by typical NSAID risks, including stomach irritation, kidney effects, and cardiovascular risk

• Should be avoided or used cautiously in certain medical conditions

Bottom line on Toradol

Toradol is a short-term, non-steroidal option for pain relief. It avoids steroid-related side effects but typically provides shorter-lasting benefit.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections

What is PRP used for?

PRP is intended to promote healing rather than simply suppress inflammation. It is most often discussed for chronic tendon problems or mild to moderate degenerative conditions.

How does PRP work?

PRP is made from your own blood. Platelets are concentrated and injected into the affected area, where they release growth factors that may support tissue repair and help regulate inflammation.

What results should I expect?

PRP does not provide immediate pain relief. Symptoms may temporarily worsen at first. If it works, improvement typically develops gradually over weeks to months. Results vary widely between patients.

What are the drawbacks of PRP?

• Results are not guaranteed

• Improvement is slow, not immediate

• Often not covered by insurance

• Multiple injections may be needed

• Temporary increase in pain or stiffness can occur after injection

Bottom line on PRP

PRP is a biologic, healing-focused option. It may provide longer-lasting benefit for select patients, but it works slowly and is less predictable than anti-inflammatory injections.

How do these injections compare?

• Cortisone: Fast and effective for inflammation; temporary relief; tissue-related risks with repeated use

• Toradol: Non-steroidal pain relief; shorter duration; avoids steroid effects

• PRP: Slower onset; aims to support healing; variable results; often out-of-pocket

Final takeaway

Injections can be useful tools, but they are not cures. The best option depends on the underlying diagnosis, your goals, medical history, and expectations. Long-term improvement often requires addressing the root cause through rehabilitation, activity modification, or surgery when appropriate.

Call to book an appointment to see if PRP might be a good choice for your shoulder or elbow condition:

646-665-6784

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About the Author

C. Lucas Myerson, MD – Orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder and elbow surgery.

Disclaimer

This article is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before starting or changing treatment.

Sources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. OrthoInfo: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).

• Bliddal H et al.. Comparative effectiveness of injection therapies in lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med. 2013

• Kwong CA et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Patients With Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears or Tendinopathy Leads to Significantly Improved Short-Term Pain Relief and Function Compared With Corticosteroid Injection: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Arthroscopy. 2021

• Khatri K et al. The KINDLE trial: ketorolac vs. triamcinolone injections for lateral epicondylitis — a randomized, multicentric non-inferiority trial. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2025.

  
  

• Ye Z et al. Platelet-rich plasma and corticosteroid injection for tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2025