Introduction

Living with osteoarthritis often means managing persistent joint pain that affects everyday activities. As the condition progresses, finding effective and lasting relief becomes a priority for many patients. Among the various treatment options, injections such as hyaluronic acid and cortisone are commonly considered to ease joint discomfort. In this article, we explore and compare these two popular injection therapies, drawing on clinical evidence and expert insights. Specialists like Professor Paul Lee and the team at MSK Doctors bring valuable experience and a caring approach to help patients understand which treatment may be best suited to their individual needs. By carefully comparing osteoarthritis relief options, patients can feel more confident in making informed decisions about their care.

Understanding Hyaluronic Acid Injections

Hyaluronic acid injections involve delivering a gel-like substance directly into the affected joint. This substance closely resembles the natural synovial fluid that cushions and lubricates our joints, allowing bones to glide smoothly over one another. In osteoarthritis, this fluid can become thinner and less effective, leading to pain and stiffness. By replenishing it, hyaluronic acid injections aim to reduce friction and improve joint movement. These injections are often recommended for people with mild to moderate osteoarthritis who seek longer-term relief, as their effects tend to develop gradually and can last several months. Professor Paul Lee emphasises that while hyaluronic acid does not cure arthritis, it supports joint health and may delay more invasive treatments. When weighing hyaluronic acid versus cortisone, many patients favour this method for its sustained symptom management.

Understanding Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections take a different approach by targeting inflammation directly. Cortisone is a powerful steroid that reduces swelling and eases pain quickly by calming the body’s inflammatory response in the joint. These injections are particularly useful during sudden flare-ups when pain and swelling become severe. Relief from cortisone shots often appears within a few days, but the effects typically last for a shorter period — usually a few weeks to a couple of months. At MSK Doctors , cortisone administration follows strict professional guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, patients should be mindful of potential side effects, especially if cortisone injections are given too frequently, which can sometimes cause tissue damage. This highlights the importance of specialist advice when considering cortisone treatments.

Comparing Effectiveness and Duration of Relief

One of the most common questions is: which injection lasts longer? Research and clinical experience suggest that hyaluronic acid injections usually provide longer-lasting relief, often extending beyond six months. Cortisone injections, by contrast, tend to offer faster pain relief, sometimes within days, but this tends to be more temporary. Cortisone is well-suited to controlling acute symptoms in severe flare-ups, while hyaluronic acid is often preferred for ongoing management of chronic osteoarthritis . Interestingly, a recent study examining painful tendinopathies — conditions similar to osteoarthritis in causing joint pain — found that “monotherapy showed non-significant difference between steroid and hyaluronic acid,” indicating both can be effective depending on the case (Azmy et al., 2021). Ultimately, patients need to balance how quickly they want relief with how long they want it to last, in consultation with their healthcare provider.

Safety Profiles and Possible Side Effects

When it comes to injections, safety is always a top concern. Cortisone injections, while effective, may sometimes cause side effects such as temporary flare-ups, thinning of the skin around the injection area, or even cartilage damage if given too often. To prevent this, medical guidelines usually limit the number of cortisone injections a patient can receive in a year. In comparison, hyaluronic acid injections are generally well tolerated with fewer serious side effects. Patients might notice mild swelling or discomfort where the injection was given, but serious complications are rare. However, as Juhász and Marmur (2015) caution from their experience with hyaluronic acid fillers in facial treatments, even routine injections can risk bruising, bruising, swelling, or more serious reactions in sensitive areas. This serves to underline the necessity of having treatments performed by experienced and careful practitioners like those at MSK Doctors, who prioritise patient safety and closely monitor each case.

Which Injection is Right for You?

Choosing the right injection depends on several personal factors. For younger patients or those with early-stage osteoarthritis and mild inflammation, hyaluronic acid injections may be the better option, offering longer-lasting relief and supporting the joint’s natural lubrication. Those experiencing sudden, severe flare-ups that require immediate pain control may find cortisone injections more suitable. Professor Paul Lee stresses that no single treatment works for everyone. Factors such as age, symptom history, other health conditions, and past treatments all play a role in deciding the best approach. He encourages patients to seek expert consultations at specialist centres like MSK Doctors to receive personalised advice tailored to their circumstances. Above all, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is essential before deciding which joint pain injection is right for you.

Conclusion

In summary, both hyaluronic acid and cortisone injections have important roles in managing osteoarthritis joint pain. Hyaluronic acid helps restore joint lubrication and tends to provide longer-lasting relief, while cortisone offers faster, inflammation-targeted pain control but for a shorter duration. Experienced clinicians, including Professor Paul Lee and the team at MSK Doctors, offer invaluable guidance in navigating these options with a patient-centred, evidence-based approach. For personalised medical advice suited to your specific condition, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Azmy, M. S., Ali, I. K., Radwan, A., & Ismail, M. A. (2021). Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Injections versus Steroid Injections on Painful Tendinopathies. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine, 85(2), 3551–3556. https://doi.org/10.21608/ejhm.2021.200589

Juhász, M. L. W., & Marmur, E. S. (2015). Temporal fossa defects: techniques for injecting hyaluronic acid filler and complications after hyaluronic acid filler injection. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(3), 254-259. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12155