Cortisone Injections in Boston
Anti-inflammatory injections for shoulder and knee pain — administered in the office with ultrasound guidance by Dr. Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD at Boston Concierge Orthopedics.
Call 978-969-3624 Book an Appointment
How do cortisone injections help with pain and inflammation?
Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a steroid produced in the adrenal gland and released into the bloodstream in response to stress. Cortisone works like cortisol, but is available in a more powerful range of strengths. A cortisone injection is also called a corticosteroid injection or steroid shot.
Robert E. McLaughlin II, MD is a board-certified Orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine, named a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in 2025 and 2026. He sees every patient himself.
Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory that acts to decrease inflammation in irritated tissues. As an Orthopedic treatment, cortisone is injected directly into a site of inflammation. It is an anti-inflammatory that works by preventing collagen production. The injection shuts down collagen-producing cells in the tendon or joint; this action suppresses inflammation and calms nerves, indirectly reducing pain.
Cortisone can calm the inflammation which allows the inflamed tissue to return to its normal, painless function. Cortisone begins to work as soon as it is injected. The time frame until patients feel relief varies — some people report immediate relief, while others report gradual pain reduction over a period of days or weeks. If inflammation is severe, or if it is ongoing and chronic at the time of treatment, pain relief may be less robust.
- In-office procedure No hospitalization or anesthesia required
- Ultrasound guidance Available for more accurate injection placement
- Experience Over 15 years performing ultrasound-guided injections
- Onset Begins to work immediately; full relief may take days to weeks
- Insurance Cortisone injections may be covered; call 978-969-3624 to verify
- Appointments Same-day or next-day available
Conditions treated with cortisone injections at Boston Concierge Orthopedics
Dr. McLaughlin evaluates each patient to determine whether a cortisone injection is the right treatment for their specific condition. Cortisone is most often used for shoulder, knee and the hand conditions involving inflammation of the tendons, bursae, or joint.
Shoulder tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendinitis that is causing inflammation and pain in the shoulder joint, treated with a targeted cortisone injection.
Learn more →Rotator cuff tears
Partial rotator cuff tears with associated inflammation, where cortisone can reduce pain and allow rehabilitation to proceed.
Learn more →Shoulder arthritis
Osteoarthritis of the shoulder joint causing stiffness and pain, where cortisone can reduce inflammation and improve function.
Learn more →Knee arthritis
Knee osteoarthritis causing joint inflammation and pain, where cortisone injections can provide significant short-term relief.
Learn more →Knee tendonitis
Patellar tendonitis and other knee tendon conditions where inflammation is causing persistent pain and limiting activity.
Learn more →Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursae in the shoulder or knee joint, treated with a cortisone injection to reduce swelling and pain.
Carpal tunnel and trigger finger
Cortisone injections to relieve carpal tunnel syndrome and trigger finger.
If a cortisone injection is indicated, ultrasound-guided injection can be administered. Dr. McLaughlin has over 15 years of experience with performing ultrasound-guided injections. Ultrasound guidance allows for more accurate injections, which can provide quicker, more reliable results.
Are cortisone injections safe?
For most patients, a cortisone injection is a safe, well-established treatment. Side effects are usually minor and temporary. They can include a short-term increase in pain at the injection site, facial flushing, and lightening or thinning of the skin where the needle went in. People with diabetes may see a temporary rise in blood sugar and should monitor it closely. Infection is rare. Because repeated injections into the same area can weaken tendons and cartilage, doctors limit how often cortisone is given. Dr. McLaughlin reviews your health history and medications before every injection.
What if a cortisone injection does not help?
Cortisone is one option among several. If relief is limited, Dr. McLaughlin may recommend PRP injections or, for knee arthritis, gel injections, along with physical therapy. Cortisone works best as part of a plan that includes physical therapy and strengthening. Expedited physical therapy options are available. When non-surgical care is not enough, he discusses surgical options, including shoulder arthroscopy.
Cortisone injection questions
What is a cortisone injection?
Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a steroid produced in the adrenal gland. It is an anti-inflammatory that acts to decrease inflammation in irritated tissues. When injected directly into a site of inflammation, it shuts down collagen-producing cells in the tendon or joint, suppressing inflammation and calming nerves, indirectly reducing pain.
How long does a cortisone injection take to work?
Cortisone begins to work as soon as it is injected. The time until patients feel relief varies. Some people report immediate relief, while others report gradual pain reduction over a period of days or weeks. If inflammation is severe or ongoing at the time of treatment, pain relief may be less robust.
Does Dr. McLaughlin use ultrasound guidance for cortisone injections?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin has over 15 years of experience with performing ultrasound-guided injections. Ultrasound guidance allows for more accurate injections, which can provide quicker, more reliable results.
How often can I get a cortisone injection?
Doctors limit how often cortisone is injected into the same joint or tendon, because repeated injections can weaken tissue. Dr. McLaughlin decides on timing case by case.
Can I get a cortisone injection if I have diabetes?
Often yes, but cortisone can raise blood sugar for a short time. Tell Dr. McLaughlin about your diabetes and check your blood sugar more closely after the injection.
How do I book a cortisone injection appointment?
Call 978-969-3624 Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM. Same-day or next-day appointments are available at offices in Boston, Norwood, Revere, and Beverly.
Is numbing medicine used with a cortisone injection?
Yes. Dr. McLaughlin adds a numbing medicine to cortisone injections.
How long does a cortisone shot last?
Relief varies. It often lasts from several weeks to several months, and it tends to be shorter when inflammation is severe or long-standing. If relief wears off, Dr. McLaughlin discusses other options.
Is it normal for pain to feel worse after a cortisone shot?
Some people have a short-term increase in pain, sometimes called a cortisone flare, for a day or two. Rest and ice can help. Call 978-969-3624 if pain, redness or swelling keeps getting worse.
Cortisone injections available at all four offices
One phone number for every office: 978-969-3624. Phones are answered Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM.
Boston
115 Newbury Street5th Floor
Boston, MA 02116 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Norwood
520 Boston Providence Tpk.Suite 14
Norwood, MA 02062 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Revere
385 BroadwaySuite 201
Revere, MA 02151 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions
Beverly
900 Cummings CenterSuite 221U
Beverly, MA 01915 Monday–Friday 8 AM–5 PM Office details → Get directions