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During the cortisone shot
Your doctor may ask you to remove your clothing and change into a gown. You'll then be positioned in a way that allows your doctor to most easily insert the needle.
The area around the injection site is cleaned. Your doctor may also apply an anesthetic spray to numb the area where the needle will be inserted.
The needle is then inserted into the injection site. If you're receiving a cortisone shot in a joint, the doctor inserts the needle inside the joint. You'll likely feel some pressure when the needle is inserted. Let your doctor know if you're uncomfortable.
The medication is then released into the injection site. What medication you receive is up to your doctor. Typically, cortisone shots include a corticosteroid medication to relieve pain and inflammation over time, and an anesthetic to provide immediate pain relief.
After the cortisone shot
Some people experience redness and a feeling of warmth of the chest and face after receiving a cortisone shot. If you have diabetes, a cortisone shot might temporarily elevate your blood sugar levels.
After your cortisone shot, your doctor may ask that you:
- Protect the injection area for a day or two. For instance, if you received a cortisone shot in your shoulder, avoid heavy lifting. If you received a cortisone shot in your knee, stay off your feet when you can.
- Apply ice to the injection site as needed to relieve pain.
- Watch for signs of infection, including increasing pain, redness and swelling that last more than 48 hours.
- 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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