Cortisone shots, also known as steroid injections, deliver medication directly to a specific area of the body to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. These injections contain corticosteroids, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that mimic a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. They are frequently used to manage symptoms in joints like the shoulders, knees, hips, and spine, as well as for conditions such as arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis.
The Injection Process
Administering a cortisone shot is a quick procedure, often completed in less than five minutes within a doctor’s office. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site, and sometimes a local anesthetic is sprayed or injected to numb the area. For precise placement, especially in complex areas like the spine, imaging guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy might be used.
Once the needle is positioned, the cortisone medication, often mixed with a local anesthetic, is injected. Patients might feel a brief pinching or burning sensation during the injection. After the shot, the area is cleaned and bandaged, and patients may be advised to rest the affected joint for 24 to 48 hours.
Onset and Duration of Relief
The timeframe for experiencing pain relief from a cortisone shot varies among individuals. Some people may notice initial relief within a few hours, primarily due to the local anesthetic included in the injection. However, the full anti-inflammatory effects of the corticosteroid typically take longer to manifest, often beginning within 24 to 72 hours. It can take up to a week for significant pain relief to be felt.
The duration of pain relief also varies, generally lasting anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Factors influencing how long the effects last include the specific condition being treated, the severity of the inflammation, the particular joint or area injected, and the individual’s body response to the medication. If pain returns sooner, it might indicate that other underlying issues need to be addressed.
Frequency and Considerations
Healthcare providers typically limit the frequency of cortisone injections to the same area to mitigate potential side effects. A common guideline suggests waiting at least three months between shots in the same joint. Generally, no more than three or four injections are recommended in a single joint within a 12-month period. Repeated injections can potentially weaken tissues, cause cartilage damage, or lead to bone death in the injected area.
Temporary side effects can occur after the injection. A “cortisone flare,” which is a temporary increase in pain and inflammation at the injection site, is common and usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours. Other short-term effects can include facial flushing, temporary increases in blood sugar levels (especially for individuals with diabetes), and skin lightening or dimpling at the injection site. Cortisone shots are often part of a broader treatment strategy, not a permanent cure, and patients should discuss long-term management plans with their healthcare provider.