What it is
Cortisone is a common name for corticosteroid medications. A corticosteroid injection is an FDA-approved drug that clinicians have long used to calm inflammation in a specific area, such as a joint or tendon. Whether it is appropriate for any person is a decision for a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Amniotic injections are products made from donated amniotic tissue or fluid, often processed and sold in injectable form. Some clinics promote them for joint pain or 'regeneration.' Injectable amniotic products used for those purposes are generally not FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
It is worth being precise: the established use of amniotic membrane is as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye. Most injectable amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing, so they should not be described as stem-cell treatments or as regrowing cartilage or tissue.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Corticosteroid injections have been part of orthopedic, sports medicine and primary care for many years. They have traditionally been used as one option among several for localized inflammation, alongside approaches such as rest, activity changes, physical therapy and other medications.
Clinicians who use them generally discuss possible benefits and possible downsides, and they consider the person's overall health and history. The details vary from person to person, which is why individual evaluation matters.
Amniotic and other regenerative injections are newer and are offered mostly by regenerative medicine clinics. Because injectable uses are generally unapproved, people are encouraged to ask careful questions and to understand that results are not guaranteed.
How the right doctor may help
A good first visit usually starts with a conversation about your symptoms, history and goals, and often includes a physical exam and possibly imaging. The right doctor may help you understand what is likely going on and which options, approved or otherwise, may be worth considering.
Orthopedic and sports medicine doctors, regenerative medicine clinics and, for skin or hair topics, dermatology and aesthetics providers may each offer a different perspective. Seeking more than one opinion can be reasonable, especially when a treatment is unapproved or costly.
Useful questions to ask: Is this product FDA-approved for my condition? What is its tissue source? What are the risks? What are the alternatives, including doing less? What is the total cost, and does my insurance cover any of it? Check coverage before treatment, not after.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress influence each other. Ongoing pain can affect sleep, mood and motivation, and stress can make discomfort feel more intense. Looking at the whole person, not only the sore joint, is a common and sensible way to think about care.
Some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences alongside their medical care, while others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus helpful for coping with long-term pain or the stress of big health decisions. These are complements to, not substitutes for, an evaluation by a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Cortisone injections are FDA-approved drugs; injectable amniotic products for joints, pain, hair or skin are generally not FDA-approved for those uses.
- No injection can be promised to work, to avoid surgery or to regrow tissue, and only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate after an evaluation.
- Ask about FDA status, tissue source, risks, alternatives and total cost, and confirm insurance coverage before any treatment.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for serious conditions. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between amniotic injection and cortisone?
Cortisone is an FDA-approved corticosteroid drug used to reduce inflammation, while injectable amniotic products are made from donated tissue and are generally not FDA-approved for joint or pain uses. They differ in what they are, how they work and how well they are regulated. A licensed clinician can explain which, if either, fits your situation.
Is an amniotic injection better than cortisone?
No one can say that an amniotic injection is better than cortisone. Cortisone has a long history of use and is FDA-approved, while injectable amniotic products are generally unapproved for these uses and results are not guaranteed. The right choice depends on your evaluation and is made with a licensed clinician.
Are amniotic injections FDA-approved?
Injectable amniotic products for joints, pain, hair, skin or regeneration are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Amniotic membrane as a wound covering and on the eye surface is the established use. Ask any provider about a product's exact FDA status.
Do amniotic injections contain stem cells?
Most amniotic injections contain no living stem cells after processing. Calling them stem-cell treatments is generally inaccurate. Ask your provider exactly what the product contains and where the tissue came from.
Can an amniotic injection regrow cartilage or help me avoid surgery?
There is no promise that an amniotic injection will regrow cartilage or tissue, or that it will help you avoid surgery. Be cautious of any clinic that makes those claims. A licensed orthopedic or sports medicine doctor can discuss realistic options.
What should I ask a doctor before getting an amniotic or cortisone injection?
Ask about the product's FDA status, its tissue source if relevant, the possible risks, the alternatives and the total cost. Also check with your insurance before treatment. Asking these questions helps you make an informed decision with your provider.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.