Why Does It Take So Long for a Steroid Injection to Work?

Steroid injections take between 3 and 5 days to take effect, but it is recommended to get the injection 7 to 10 days before an event for maximum benefit. Learn more about how long it takes for steroid injections to work.

Why Does It Take So Long for a Steroid Injection to Work?

The swelling usually improves within a few days, and pain relief can come in a few days or weeks, depending on how quickly the swelling settles. Most people who have received a cortisone injection report that their pain gets better over a period of days or weeks. Research suggests that steroid injections take between 3 and 5 days to take effect, but it is recommended to get the injection 7 to 10 days before an event for maximum benefit. Your treating doctor will be able to provide personalized advice regarding when you can safely return to full sports activities.

The effects of the injection usually wear off after a few months.The length of time until patients feel relief varies. Some people report immediate relief, while others report a gradual reduction in pain over a period of days or weeks. If the inflammation is severe or if it is ongoing and chronic at the time of treatment, pain relief may be less severe. If the treated area is very swollen, it may take up to three weeks to feel the effects of the injection.

In some cases, a second injection may be needed a few weeks after the first.Cortisone injections usually cause a temporary increase in pain and swelling up to 48 hours after the injection. After that, the pain and swelling of the affected joint should decrease and can last up to several months. Side effects of injections given into the blood tend to be similar to those of steroid tablets, such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.Hyaluronic acid injections and PRP injections are generally effective in patients with mild to moderate levels of joint degeneration. When injected into a joint or muscle, steroids reduce redness and swelling (inflammation) in the nearby area.

Cortisone is a synthetic version of cortisol, a steroid produced in the adrenal gland and released into the bloodstream in response to stress.Choosing the best time to receive a steroid injection so that you have the best chance of success can make all the difference. It is important to remember that cortisone and cortisol are steroids, but they should not be confused with anabolic steroids such as testosterone.