The local anesthetic effect typically last 4–6 hours. It may take 3–7 days for the corticosteroids to reach optimal effect. Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions: You may not drive for 12 hours after your injection.
Don't use heating pads. Not use a bathtub, hot tub or whirlpool for two days. It's OK to shower. Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness and swelling that last more than 48 hours.
So, as a general rule, we advise against driving after a cortisone injection into the hip, knee, or foot. However, cortisone injections into the shoulder, elbow, or hand can also stop you from driving properly. We suggest a friend or family member drive you home, or you take the tube or Taxi.
If you experience a post-injection steroid flare wait until it has passed prior to driving again (typically a few days after the injection). Ensure you can perform an emergency brake before starting to drive again. Contact your insurance company if you have any concerns.
Following your procedure
We advise you not to drive for 24 hours following the procedure, so please take this into consideration when booking your appointment. Cortisone will take between two and five days to take effect, with full relief in up to one week.
Myth: Driving is safe after an epidural steroid injection (ESI) procedure without the use of sedation. Fact: Driving safety is potentially compromised by the use of local anesthetic included in the epidural injectate, even if sedation is not used during the procedure.
Rest Up!
Our physicians recommend resting for at least 24 hours after getting home as the anesthesia wears off and the body starts to heal after the injection. While some people experience relief right away, the full effects of the injection may not be noticeable for 1-3 days after the procedure.
Prednisolone does not make you sleepy and so it's usually safe to drive or ride a bike while taking this medicine. However, do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if your eyesight is affected.
Many people are curious about what differentiates a steroid injection from a cortisone shot. When discussing steroid and cortisone injections for orthopedic related conditions, the two terms are referring to the same injection product.
As a general rule, patients advised receiving a steroid injection into a joint are cautioned against any heavy lifting or exercise. But after 10 days to two weeks, they are encouraged to start gentle range-of-motion exercises and to remain active as tolerated.
According to the National Institutes of Health, the side effects from cortisone shots include: Dizziness or headaches. Skin issues, including dryness, thinness, acne, dry skin, and red or purple blotches. Fatigue and trouble sleeping.
It can take up to 7 days for a cortisone injection to begin working in the body. The effects of the injection usually last up to 2 months, but sometimes longer. Cortisone can reduce inflammation that damages joints.
The side effects of cortisone shots occur right away or within 48 hours of receiving the shot. The most common side effect of a cortisone shot is pain at the injection site. You may experience soreness in the muscle group that surrounds your affected joint. You may bleed a bit immediately after getting the shot.
Cortisone injections are extremely safe. But like any drug, there are possible side effects and complications that can occur with a cortisone shot. Some side effects impact the area of the injection site, while others are systemic, meaning they affect the whole body.
Many cortisone injections also include a numbing medication, such as lidocaine, to help make the shot more comfortable. “How the injection feels depends on where you're getting it. Many injections are not painful or only have a few seconds of discomfort,” Dr. Halim says.
Enter – PRP, or platelet-rich plasma. PRP injections offer a viable alternative to corticosteroid injections, without all of the nasty side effects.
If arthritis pain is preventing you from doing everyday activities, going to work, or exercising, a cortisone shot may be worth considering. Keep in mind that a cortisone shot should just be one part of a larger treatment plan that helps you maintain long-term joint pain relief.
It is important to avoid "simple" carbohydrates and concentrated sweets, such as cakes, pies, cookies, jams, honey, chips, breads, candy and other highly processed foods. This helps keep blood sugar low. Limit saturated fat and cholesterol. Choose lean meats, poultry and fish.
If your injection had local anesthetic and a steroid, your legs may feel heavy or numb right after. You will probably be able to walk. But you may need to be extra careful. Take care not to lose your balance, and be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
Ibuprofen medication like Advil, Nuprin, aspirin, or most pain relievers should not be used before the procedure. NSAIDs affect platelet behavior in the blood, which can affect how well it clots.
Side effects of injections given into the blood tend to be similar to side effects of steroid tablets, such as increased appetite, mood changes and difficulty sleeping.