Corticosteroids fight inflammation and can give you quick relief from osteoarthritis. But corticosteroid injections can’t repair damaged cartilage or slow the progression of arthritis. Their relief is only temporary.
Most experts say you should limit injections to no more than once every 3 to 4 months. Get no more than about 4 shots in any one joint.
If you still have joint pain after corticosteroid injections, talk with your doctor about other treatments. Depending on the joints involved, other treatment options could include joint replacement.