When it comes to relieving pain, a cortisone injection may not always be the answer. This is especially true if the pain is not caused or aggravated by inflammation. In some cases, the provider's error may be the cause of the ineffectiveness of the injection. To ensure that the injection works, it should be administered at the exact site of the problem, which is usually within a joint or tendon sheath.
The effects of a steroid injection can vary. Some people experience relief within hours, while others may take a few days to start feeling better. Generally, the effects of a steroid injection last for about a week. These short-acting soluble steroids are known as cortisone injections.
As they dissolve quickly in the body, they begin to act quickly. The effects of a cortisone injection can last between 6 weeks and 6 months. While it can make you feel good due to its anti-inflammatory properties, this effect is only temporary and does not cure the underlying condition. However, this window of pain relief can help with rehabilitation.
In addition to the injection, combining it with exercise may provide more significant pain relief. Other lifestyle factors such as weight loss, muscle strength and footwear can also help in managing pain. Steroid injections are one of the most effective ways to decrease pain and improve function, but they do not cure the disease.If you are considering getting a steroid injection, it is important to note that you cannot get one if you have an infection in the area that needs treatment. Additionally, if you get more than three injections in the same part of your body in a year, you may experience some side effects.
If you are worried about getting an injection, it is best to talk to an expert who specializes in this field. For some conditions such as types of inflammatory arthritis, steroid injections can be helpful in the short term while you and your doctor find the right medications for long-term management. To make an injection more comfortable, your doctor may perform a nerve block. This is especially beneficial for conditions such as plantar fasciitis.
Additionally, steroid injections should not affect fertility, pregnancy or lactation and may be useful treatments in these situations.Injecting steroids into one or two local areas of inflammation allows doctors to deliver a high dose of medication directly to the problem area. It is important to arrange for a ride home after the injection as local anesthetics can make driving difficult. If you are taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin, you may need an additional blood test before receiving the injection.Ultrasound may be used to find where inflammation is located so that the steroid can be injected at a precise location for maximum benefit. It is important to note that steroid injections can stop your body from producing natural hormones which can be dangerous if you get sick or need surgery.When doctors administer steroids orally or intravenously, they cannot be sure that an adequate amount of the steroid will eventually reach the problem area.If you are considering getting a steroid injection, it is important to consult with an expert first and discuss all your options before making a decision.
