PRP vs Cortisone Injections” What’s the Difference?
By Mark L. Barba, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon | Hip and Knee Reconstruction | Joint Preservation | Orthobiologics
Patients with hip and knee pain often want clear answers about what is causing their symptoms and what treatment options may help. In this message, I share practical, evidence-based information on arthritis, joint preservation, replacement surgery, and selected orthobiologic treatments to help patients make informed decisions about their care.
PRP vs Cortisone Injections: What’s the Difference?
Patients with knee or hip pain are often offered different types of injections to help reduce symptoms. Two of the most commonly discussed options are cortisone injections and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Although both treatments involve injecting medication or biologic material into a joint, they work in very different ways. Understanding those differences can help patients decide which option may be most appropriate for their situation.
What Is a Cortisone Injection?
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication that has been used in orthopedics for decades. When injected into an inflamed joint, it works by suppressing the inflammatory signals that contribute to pain and swelling.
Cortisone injections are commonly used for:
- Knee arthritis
- Hip arthritis
- Shoulder inflammation
- Bursitis
- Certain tendon problems
Many patients experience fairly rapid relief, sometimes within a few days.
However, cortisone does not repair damaged tissue. Its primary role is to reduce inflammation and symptoms, which may allow patients to move more comfortably or participate in rehabilitation.
What Is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, which is created from a patient’s own blood. Platelets are cells involved in the body’s healing response and contain growth factors that help regulate tissue repair.
To prepare PRP:
- A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient
- The blood is processed to concentrate platelets
- The platelet-rich portion is injected into the affected area
Rather than suppressing inflammation, PRP aims to modify the biologic environment in the joint and potentially support healing processes.
PRP is most commonly considered for:
- Early or moderate knee arthritis
- Tendon injuries
- Certain ligament injuries
- Joint preservation strategies
How the Two Treatments Work Differently
The key difference between cortisone and PRP is how they affect the joint environment.
Cortisone works by blocking inflammatory pathways. This can reduce pain quickly, which is why it has been widely used for many years.
PRP works by delivering growth factors and biologic signals that may influence how tissues respond to injury and inflammation. Because of this, PRP typically works more gradually.
Patients often notice:
- Cortisone → faster pain relief
- PRP → slower onset but sometimes longer-lasting improvement in selected patients
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Cortisone injections can provide relief that lasts from several weeks to several months, although the duration varies from patient to patient.
PRP injections often take several weeks to begin working, but some patients experience improvement that lasts longer than traditional anti-inflammatory injections.
Neither treatment reverses arthritis, and results vary depending on the individual patient and the severity of joint damage.
Which Treatment Is Right for You?
The best treatment depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of arthritis
- The patient’s activity level
- Previous treatments
- Overall joint health
- Treatment goals
For some patients, cortisone injections can provide useful short-term symptom relief. For others, PRP may be considered as part of a joint preservation strategy.
In many cases, these treatments are simply different tools, each with a role depending on the situation.
When Should You See an Orthopedic Specialist?
Persistent joint pain should not be ignored, particularly when it begins to interfere with daily activity.
An orthopedic evaluation may be helpful if you experience:
- Knee or hip pain lasting several weeks
- Recurrent swelling in a joint
- Pain with walking or climbing stairs
- Decreasing joint mobility
- Pain that limits exercise or normal activity
A careful evaluation can help determine the cause of symptoms and identify the most appropriate treatment options.
Closing Thoughts
Both cortisone and PRP injections can play a role in managing joint pain. The key difference is that cortisone focuses on reducing inflammation quickly, while PRP attempts to support biologic healing processes within the joint.
Choosing between these treatments depends on the individual patient and the underlying condition.
In upcoming messages, I will also discuss why platelet dose and cell counting can influence PRP treatments, and why not all PRP preparations are the same.
If you are dealing with persistent hip or knee pain and want to understand your treatment options, an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist can help determine the most appropriate next step.
