A local anesthetic injection and corticosteroids have been administered to you. The effects of the local anesthetic usually last between 4-6 hours. The optimal effects of corticosteroids may take up to 3-7 days.
Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:
- After your injection, you may not be able to drive for 12 hours.
- For up to 24 hours, mild soreness may occur at the injection site. Ice is the best treatment. Ice can be applied for as long as 20 minutes, several times per day.
- For 72 hours, avoid heat to the injection site. This time, you should avoid hot packs, saunas or steam rooms. Regular showers are acceptable.
- It is possible to immediately resume your regular medication, which may include pain medications, anti-inflammatory and blood thinners.
- The sterile dressing or band aid must be removed tonight or tomorrow morning. After you have had a shower, or got it wet, do not leave the sterile dressing/band-aid on.
- Side effects of corticosteroid injections can occur, but usually they resolve within a few days. Side effects include headaches, flushing, hot flashes and mild palpitations.
- The corticosteroid effect (long-term pain relief) can take up to 10 days after an injection. After your cortisone injection, you may experience slight pain.
- After your injection, you can resume your daily activities within 24 hours.
- It’s okay to resume your exercise or therapy program whenever you feel like it.
- After your injection, please complete the pain diary. This diary will be used to help you plan your treatment.
- To review your reaction to the injection, you should plan a follow up visit within 2 to 3 weeks.
- Bring your pain journal with you to the appointment.
A medical professional wrote this article at Florida Medical Pain Management. Florida Medical Pain Management is proud to offer comprehensive pain management services to a diverse group of patients. Patients at Florida Medical Pain Management can get help managing hip, knee, leg, and neck pain. The practice also offers comprehensive arthritis management, along with treatments for auto accidents, sports, work injuries as well as ketamine infusion.
