Cortisone Injection: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
For reducing inflammation and pain in many parts of the body, cortisone injections, also referred to as corticosteroid injections or steroid injections, are a common treatment option. By injecting an anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area, these injections relieve arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and joint pains.
Preparation
Cortisone injections should be administered before:
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Symptoms, medical history, and treatment options are typically discussed in a consultation with a healthcare provider.
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To diagnose the underlying condition and determine the most appropriate injection site, the healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and possibly imaging tests.
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Prior to undergoing any procedure, patients receive information about its potential benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Procedure
The cortisone injection procedure involves the following steps:
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To minimize the risk of infection, the healthcare provider cleans the skin at the injection site.
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For some injections, a local anesthetic may be administered to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
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Using a small needle, the healthcare provider carefully injects cortisone medication into the targeted area, such as a joint, tendon, or bursa.
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The healthcare provider may assess the patient's range of motion after the injection and provide any necessary post-procedure instructions.
Recovery
Following a cortisone injection:
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Patients may experience immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic, while others may notice improvement in symptoms within a few days as the cortisone medication begins to work.
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For a brief period following the injection, patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities or certain movements to allow the medication to work and reduce complications.
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Typically, patients have follow-up appointments with their healthcare providers to monitor their progress and determine whether additional injections or alternative treatments are necessary.
Risks
Despite the fact that cortisone injections are generally safe and well tolerated, there are some potential risks and side effects, including:
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A few days after injection, some patients may experience temporary discomfort or pain at the injection site.
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When proper sterile techniques are used, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
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It is possible for cortisone injections to damage surrounding tissues, such as tendons or ligaments, particularly with repeated injections.
Aftercare
After receiving a cortisone injection, patients may be advised to:
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Inflammation can be reduced and healing can be promoted by resting the injected area and avoiding strenuous activities.
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Pain and swelling may be reduced by applying ice to the injection site for short periods of time.
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Patients may be instructed to take prescribed medications or anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by their healthcare provider.
With cortisone injections, patients are able to resume their daily activities with greater comfort and mobility, reducing inflammation and pain associated with various musculoskeletal conditions. Before proceeding, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of this treatment option.
