When to Consider Cortisone Shots for Severe Bursitis Pain

Elbow pain can start small. Maybe a little swelling or discomfort after resting on your arm for too long. But when symptoms persist, bursitis can quickly shift from mild irritation to a painful condition that disrupts daily life. If rest, ice, and over-the-counter medication no longer provide relief, it may be time to consider a cortisone shot for bursitis.

At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, our experienced upper extremity physicians – Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Mark Yaffe – offer advanced non-surgical options, including corticosteroid injections for patients dealing with persistent or severe bursitis. With four locations across the northwest suburbs of Chicago, we’re here to help you move comfortably again.

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Let’s explore when this treatment makes sense and how it fits into your care plan.

What Do Cortisone Shots Do for Bursitis?

Cortisone, a synthetic form of the body’s natural cortisol hormone, helps reduce inflammation. When injected directly into an inflamed bursa, it calms irritation and relieves pressure, offering significant bursitis pain relief.

For elbow bursitis, especially olecranon bursitis, this treatment may help shrink the swollen sac and restore comfortable movement, especially when other therapies haven’t worked.

Patients often ask, “How fast does a cortisone shot work?” While responses vary, many people report improvement within 48 to 72 hours. Full relief may take over a week.

When Conservative Treatment Isn’t Enough

Not all bursitis cases require cortisone shots. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we always begin with conservative care, including:

• Activity modification
• Elbow pads for cushioning
• Ice and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Fluid drainage (aspiration) if necessary

However, if your bursitis pain:

• Persists beyond 3–4 weeks
• Interferes with sleep or daily activity
• Recurs frequently despite rest
• Is not caused by infection

…a corticosteroid injection may be the next best step in your therapy for bursitis.

In cases of septic bursitis, where infection is present, steroid injections are not appropriate. Instead, antibiotics and fluid drainage may be needed. That’s why proper diagnosis is so important before starting treatment.

What to Expect During the Injection

Getting a cortisone shot for bursitis is a quick, in-office procedure. Here's how it typically works:

1. Evaluation: Your provider will examine the elbow and may use ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement.
2. Aspiration (if necessary): If fluid is present, it may be removed before the injection to reduce pressure and test for infection.
3. Injection: Cortisone is injected directly into the bursa using a small needle. A local anesthetic may also be used to reduce discomfort.
4. Aftercare: You'll be advised to rest the joint for 24–48 hours, avoid heavy activity, and apply ice as needed.

Most patients tolerate the injection well and return to light activity within a day or two.

Risks and Limitations of Cortisone Injections

While cortisone shots are generally safe and effective, it’s important to understand their limitations:

Possible side effects include:

• Temporary pain flare-up after injection
• Skin thinning or discoloration at the injection site
• Risk of infection (though rare)
• Elevation in blood sugar for patients with diabetes

Additionally, repeated injections in the same area may weaken tissue over time. That’s why our physicians use this treatment judiciously and only when other options have been explored.

We recommend no more than 3 corticosteroid injections in a 12-month period at the same site.

Follow-Up Care After Cortisone Shots

Recovery doesn't end after the injection. At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we emphasize a full-circle approach to care:

• Monitoring your response: We’ll check in after your injection to assess how your symptoms are improving.
• Occupational therapy: If needed, we’ll connect you to our on-site rehabilitation team to strengthen the joint and prevent recurrence.
• Lifestyle modifications: Our providers will advise on ergonomics, posture, and other habits to protect your elbow moving forward.

If symptoms return, we’ll explore alternative therapies or, if necessary, minimally invasive surgery as a last resort.

Why Choose Barrington Orthopedic Specialists for Bursitis Treatment?

Not every clinic offers the depth of care or precision that Barrington Orthopedic Specialists provides. We combine years of expertise with a commitment to personalized, conservative care.

When you visit us, you benefit from:

• Board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons
• Onsite diagnostic imaging and ultrasound-guided injections
• Non-surgical therapy options first, surgery only if needed
• In-houserehab for coordinated follow-up
• Locations in Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Bartlett, and Buffalo Grove

Our goal is to help you recover quickly and stay active.

Get Relief from Bursitis Pain Without Surgery

Cortisone injections can be a powerful option for bursitis pain relief when other treatments fall short. If you’re ready to move past the pain, Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Dr. Mark Yaffe are here to help.

Schedule an appointment with Barrington Orthopedic Specialists to discuss your options for treating elbow bursitis. Let our experts guide you toward a treatment plan that works, without unnecessary delays or discomfort.

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