PRP vs Cortisone Injections: What the Evidence Actually Shows

How Cortisone Works

Corticosteroid injections work by suppressing the local inflammatory response in the treated area. They are fast-acting and effective for short-term pain relief. For acute flare-ups of joint or tendon pain, a cortisone injection can provide meaningful relief within days.

The Limitations of Cortisone

The primary limitation of cortisone is that it treats the symptom rather than the underlying cause. The anti-inflammatory effect wears off, typically within 6 to 12 weeks, and the underlying condition is unchanged. There is also good evidence that repeated cortisone injections can weaken tendons and cartilage.

How PRP Works Differently

PRP therapy does not suppress inflammation, it modulates it. The growth factors and bioactive proteins in PRP signal the body's own repair mechanisms to activate and address the underlying tissue damage. This is a fundamentally different mechanism from cortisone and explains why PRP's benefits develop gradually over weeks to months rather than days.

Condition by Condition

For tennis elbow, multiple randomised controlled trials show PRP produces significantly better outcomes than cortisone at 12 months. For knee osteoarthritis treatment, systematic reviews consistently show PRP produces better pain and function outcomes at 6 and 12 months. For plantar fasciitis, PRP consistently outperforms cortisone in long-term follow-up studies.

If you are weighing your options, book a free video consultation with Dr. Arvin Yarollahi for an honest assessment of your case.