Cortisone injections play a major role in relieving inflammation and pain symptoms from the shoulder. Besides used for the shoulder, these injections can be used in the knee, hip, spine, elbow, ankle, and wrist. Furthermore, there are several side effects to these injections which limit the number you can receive in a year.
During your initial consultation, your surgeon will explain the potential side effects of cortisone injections and the number of injections you can receive in the shoulder in a year. Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada and also in and around greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Side Effects of Cortisone Injections When Used in the Shoulder
Patients are at a higher risk of side effects if they receive a larger dose of cortisone. These are a few side-effects you should expect after getting the medication in the shoulder:
- Pain and discomfort
- Temporary facial flushing
- Temporary increase in blood sugar
- Temporary flare of pain and inflammation, also called a cortisone flare
- Joint infection
- Cartilage damage
- Death of nearby bone
- Tendon rupture or weakening
- Lightening or whitening of the skin at the injection site
- Osteoporosis
Frequency of Cortisone Shots
You may request for a cortisone injection if your joint pain returns after a few months or week. Typically, patients are restricted from getting more than 3 cortisone shots in a year. With that said, you should speak with your doctor regarding your particular situation. They will be able to explain your options and the best treatment combinations that would work in your condition.
Cortisone Shot Preparation
Cortisone injections can cause bruising and bleeding. It’s necessary that you don’t take any blood thinners for several days before the appointment. This includes dietary supplements which may have a blood thinning effect. You should speak with your doctor regarding the supplements or medications you should avoid. Pertaining to this, let the doctor know if you had a temperature of 100.4 F or above in the past 2 weeks.
Getting a Cortisone Shot in the Shoulder
The doctor will position your shoulder in a way to make it easy and comfortable to get the shot. The injection site will be cleaned and sprayed with a topical anesthetic. The doctor may use fluoroscopy or another digital imaging technique for watching the needle’s progress and placing it in the right spot.
You will be given the corticosteroid medication once the injection site is received. An anesthetic is usually mixed with the medication for providing immediate pain relief and to deal with any potential cortisone flare up. You will be sent home to recover once the injection has been given.
Expectations Following a Cortisone Injection
Some patients notice a reduction in pain after a few hours while for others it may take up to 7 days. Severity of pain determines how soon the injections work. Chronic shoulder pain may require several weeks for continued relief. Patients that received an anesthetic with the cortisone shot may experience numbness for at least 24 hours.
Board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada and also from greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery procedures.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada