| Pros |
Cortisone |
PRP |
Hyaluronic Acid |
| Powerful anti- inflammatory drug |
Autologous, meaning it comes from your own body, so it is natural and the injections carry less risks |
Is a gel, key component of a joint fluid |
| Fast acting relief of pain and inflammation |
Studies have shown long term improvement and increased recovery time |
Reduces pain and joint friction for 6 months on average |
| Relatively short relief |
Can help with acute and chronic disorders |
Adds cushion to protect joints |
|
|
Improves viscosity |
| Cons |
Cortisone |
PRP |
Hyaluronic Acid |
| Risk of bone loss, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, bone erosion/death; cartilage damage; cataract, glaucoma, pain flare, etc |
Pain flare for a short time after injection |
Known allergy to hyaluronic acid |
| Limited amount can be injected per visit, per joint, and per year |
Relatively high cost |
Pain flare and swelling for a short time after injection |
