How you prepare
By Mayo Clinic staffIf you take blood thinners, you may need to forgo these medications for several days before your cortisone shot, to reduce your risk of bleeding or bruising. Some dietary supplements also have a blood-thinning effect. Your family doctor can help coordinate what medications and supplements you should avoid before your cortisone shot.
- Intraarticular and soft tissue injections: What agent(s) to inject and how frequently? http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Wise CM. Arthrocentesis and injection of joints and soft tissue. In: Firestein GS, et al. Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: W.B. Saunders; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/217997889-3/1050729258/1807/345.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Schumacher HR, et al. Joint injection/aspiration. American College of Rheumatology. http://www.rheumatology.org/practice/clinical/patients/diseases_and_conditions/jointinjection.asp. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Roberts WN, et al. Joint aspiration or injection in adults: Complications. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- Baker RM. Epidural steroid injections. North American Spine Society. http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/InjectionTreatments/ES_Injections.aspx. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.
- DiMicco R. Lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint injections. North American Spine Association. http://www.knowyourback.org/Pages/Treatments/InjectionTreatments/LZJ_Injections.aspx. Accessed Sept. 9, 2010.


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