A cortisone shot is a corticosteroid injection that delivers potent anti-inflammatory medication directly to an affected area to reduce inflammation and pain. This article explores whether these injections are available at urgent care centers and what patients should understand before seeking this treatment.
Urgent Care and Cortisone Shots
Many urgent care centers can administer cortisone shots. These facilities are equipped to handle acute, non-life-threatening conditions, offering a convenient option for immediate relief without a prior appointment. The availability of these shots depends on the specific facility’s capabilities, the healthcare provider’s discretion, and the patient’s condition. Urgent care centers provide prompt treatment for sudden flare-ups, often featuring extended hours and shorter wait times compared to traditional doctor’s offices.
Conditions Suitable for Treatment
Cortisone shots administered at urgent care are suitable for acute, localized inflammatory conditions. Common examples include acute tendinitis (such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow) and bursitis affecting areas like the shoulder or hip. Localized joint pain in the knee, ankle, or wrist due to inflammation, rather than a fracture, can be treated. Acute localized allergic reactions, such as severe poison ivy, or skin reactions like eczema flares, may also benefit from these injections. These conditions are generally diagnosable and treatable without extensive follow-up at the urgent care visit, providing temporary relief and allowing for subsequent comprehensive care.
Important Considerations for Urgent Care
Urgent care may not be the most suitable option for chronic pain management or conditions requiring complex diagnostic needs, extensive imaging, or specialist consultation. Repeated injections in the same area are typically limited due to concerns about potential damage to cartilage, skin thinning, or bone issues over time. Patients should be aware of potential side effects, including a temporary increase in pain or swelling at the injection site, skin discoloration, or a temporary elevation in blood sugar levels, particularly for individuals with diabetes. Less common side effects include temporary facial flushing or changes in sleep patterns. Disclose a complete medical history, including current medications and allergies, to the urgent care provider to ensure treatment safety and appropriateness.
What to Expect and Follow-up
Upon arrival, a healthcare professional will evaluate the condition via physical exam and medical history review to determine if a cortisone shot is appropriate. The injection involves cleaning the area and using an anesthetic spray for numbing. Symptom relief is not always immediate; some patients feel effects within a few days, while others may take up to a week for significant improvement. After the injection, patients are advised to protect the area for a day or two and use ice as needed. Follow-up with a primary care physician or a specialist, such as an orthopedist or rheumatologist, is important for ongoing management, especially if symptoms persist or the underlying cause requires comprehensive care.