What's the difference between PRP and cortisone injections?
Cortisone is a steroid that calms inflammation quickly, but relief is usually temporary and repeated shots into one joint aren't advised. PRP uses your own platelets to support healing; it works more slowly, aims for longer-lasting improvement, and is usually self-pay. Cortisone suits short-term flares; PRP suits long-standing tendon problems and some knee arthritis.
The difference at a glance
| Cortisone injection | PRP injection | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A steroid that calms inflammation | A concentrate of your own platelets and growth factors |
| How fast it works | Often within days | Gradually, over several weeks |
| How long relief lasts | Usually weeks to a few months | Varies; some people report relief for many months |
| How often | Many physicians limit how often one joint is injected | Usually one to three injections, a few weeks apart |
| Main goal | Short-term pain relief during a flare | Support healing in tendons and some arthritic joints |
| Insurance | Usually covered when medically necessary | Usually self-pay |
When cortisone makes sense
Cortisone is a good choice when you need fast relief from a flare of joint, bursa or tendon pain, for example to get through physical therapy. It's covered by most insurance plans. Relief is temporary, and repeated injections into the same joint aren't advised, so it works best as part of a wider plan. See steroid injections and what they cost.
When PRP makes sense
PRP is worth considering when pain has lasted for months, other treatment hasn't helped, and you want to avoid or delay surgery. It's used most for knee arthritis and long-standing tendon problems. It works more slowly and is usually self-pay. See PRP therapy and what PRP costs.
What the guidelines say
Guidelines don't all agree. For knee osteoarthritis, major rheumatology and osteoarthritis societies (ACR 2019, OARSI 2019) recommend against PRP, while AAPM&R guidance supports it for selected patients after standard treatment hasn't worked. Corticosteroid injections are recommended for short-term relief by most guidelines. Your physician will explain what the evidence shows for your condition.
Can you have both?
Yes, but usually not at the same time in the same spot, because steroids may blunt the healing response PRP aims for. Your physician will plan the timing if both are part of your care.
Common questions
Is PRP better than cortisone?
Not in every case. Cortisone gives faster, shorter relief; PRP aims for slower, longer-lasting improvement in conditions where it has evidence. The right choice depends on your diagnosis, how long you've had pain and what you've already tried.
Does insurance cover PRP like it covers cortisone?
Usually not. Medicare covers PRP nationally only for chronic non-healing diabetic wounds, and most private plans don't cover it for joints or tendons. Cortisone injections are usually covered when medically necessary.
