Comparisons

PRP vs Cortisone Injections: Which Is Better for Your Injury?

Compare PRP and cortisone injections — cost, effectiveness, recovery, and which is better for tendon injuries, arthritis, and sports injuries.

How They Work

Cortisone (Corticosteroid) Injections: Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory that quickly reduces swelling and pain. It does not heal tissue — it suppresses the inflammatory response. Effects are temporary (weeks to months) and repeated injections can weaken tendons and cartilage.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections: PRP uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to deliver growth factors that stimulate tissue healing. It promotes a controlled inflammatory response — the opposite approach from cortisone. Effects take longer to appear (2-6 weeks) but aim to address the underlying tissue damage.

Cost Comparison

Factor	Cortisone	PRP
Cost per injection	$100–$300 (with insurance)	$500–$2,000 (cash pay)
Insurance coverage	Yes (most plans)	Rarely covered
Number of sessions	1-3 per year (max)	1-3 total
Annual cost	$100–$900	$500–$6,000

Cortisone is significantly cheaper because insurance covers it. PRP is a cash-pay investment in tissue healing.

Effectiveness by Condition

Research shows different results depending on the condition:

Tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles, patellar): PRP is superior long-term. Cortisone provides faster pain relief but studies show worse outcomes at 6-12 months compared to PRP. Cortisone weakens tendons with repeated use.

Knee osteoarthritis: Both provide relief. PRP shows better outcomes at 6-12 months in moderate arthritis. Cortisone is preferred for acute flares and severe arthritis where PRP has limited benefit.

Acute muscle injuries: PRP may speed recovery in competitive athletes. Cortisone is generally avoided in acute muscle injuries.

Bursitis and acute inflammation: Cortisone is the clear winner for rapid relief of inflammatory conditions like bursitis and synovitis.

Which Should You Choose?

You need fast pain relief (days, not weeks)
You have acute bursitis or synovitis
Insurance cost matters and the condition is inflammatory
This is your first injection for the condition

You have a chronic tendon injury that is not healing
Cortisone has provided only temporary relief
You want regenerative healing, not just pain suppression
You are an athlete wanting to avoid cortisone's tissue-weakening effects
You have mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis and want longer-lasting relief

Key rule of thumb: Cortisone is a short-term solution for inflammation. PRP is a longer-term investment in tissue healing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get PRP after cortisone?

Yes, but most doctors recommend waiting 2-4 weeks after a cortisone injection before PRP, because cortisone suppresses the inflammatory response that PRP relies on to promote healing.

How many cortisone injections can I have?

Most doctors limit cortisone to 3-4 injections per joint per year, with a lifetime maximum of 6-10. Excessive cortisone accelerates cartilage breakdown and weakens tendons.

Is PRP more painful than cortisone?

The injections feel similar. However, PRP can cause 2-3 days of soreness afterward (the healing response), while cortisone typically provides immediate relief.

Can I combine PRP and cortisone?

Generally no — they work through opposite mechanisms. Cortisone suppresses inflammation while PRP promotes it. Using them together can negate PRP's healing benefits.

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