How Long Does It Take For A Cortisone Shot To Work: Important FAQs

Can you drive home after a cortisone injection?

Firstly, you should wait at least 15 minutes after a cortisone shot before going home. Sometimes, injections make you feel dizzy or lightheaded. This effect is short-lived and settles after a few minutes.

Many insurance policies have strict rules on driving after a medical procedure. They require you to be able to apply an emergency brake when driving. So, as a general rule, we advise against driving after a cortisone injection into the hip, knee, or foot. However, cortisone injections into the shoulder, elbow, or hand can stop you from driving properly. We suggest a friend or family member drive you home, or you take the tube or a Taxi.

Is a cortisone shot safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Cortisone is generally safe during pregnancy. However, we don’t like to inject it into pregnant women unless necessary. We also suggest that pregnant women speak to their obstetrician. Breastfeeding is not an issue, as the amount of cortisone absorbed in breast milk from one injection is very small.

Other common questions about a cortisone shot:

Can cortisone shots affect your periods? And how long do steroid injections affect the menstrual cycle?

Yes, and it’s more common than we think. Cortisone can temporarily stop your periods or cause bleeding or spotting for a few weeks. However, a change in your periods can be due to another cause.

A recent study found that a steroid injection disturbed the menstrual cycle in just over 50% of women. Both reduced and increased bleeding were reported. The effect usually lasts for one cycle only. Also, those women on the oral contraceptive pill had less menstrual cycle variability.

Do cortisone shots cause weight gain?

While cortisone can increase appetite and weight, this effect is only seen when taking high doses of tablets for many weeks. One to two cortisone shots over a few months are usually unlikely to cause a significant change in appetite or weight.

Hiccups and cortisone injections: Is there a link?

Yes. Cortisone injections can cause hiccups. However, we don’t know exactly why. The good news is that hiccups usually settle after one to two days.

How long after a cortisone shot can I drink alcohol?

Drinking alcohol will increase blood flow and bleeding after a cortisone injection. Therefore, we suggest you avoid alcohol for at least a few days after a cortisone shot.

Flushed cheeks after a cortisone injection: Is it common?

Yes. This effect of facial flushing is more common in women, primarily if we use triamcinolone. Fortunately, it lasts only 1-2 days and is readily treated with an antihistamine drug.

What causes facial flushing after a cortisone injection?

We don’t know the answer, but we think cortisone causes a histamine-like reaction, similar to a mild allergic reaction. Blood vessels in the face dilate, causing a flush. Thankfully, this reaction is self-limiting and lasts for a day or two.

Can a cortisone shot cause insomnia?

Yes, but it’s not common. Like flushed cheeks, cortisone can cause insomnia or sleeplessness, which is transient and lasts 1-2 days.

Can you get a cortisone injection after a knee replacement?

We generally do not recommend having a cortisone injection after a knee replacement. Injecting an artificial joint increases the risk of infection.

Do cortisone injections damage joints?

A recent study suggested that frequent cortisone injections harm knee cartilage. However, the people in this study had eight injections over two years. Generally, 1-2 cortisone injections are safe and effective in reducing pain and swelling in knee arthritis. However, repeated injections into one joint can increase the risk of damage.

Can you have cortisone injections while on blood thinners?

We used to think that taking blood thinners such as Warfarin increased the risk of bleeding after injections into large joints such as the hip or shoulder. However, a recent study showed that bleeding is not increased, irrespective of the dose of blood thinner. So, we don’t think you need to stop or reduce the amount of blood thinner before performing a joint injection.

Are cortisone shots better under ultrasound?

Yes. There is good evidence that ultrasound guidance improves the accuracy and effect of a cortisone shot. If you are thinking about a cortisone shot, you should see a doctor with experience in ultrasound-guided injections. Unfortunately, not all practitioners performing injections are qualified. See this blog for the top 4 questions before an ultrasound-guided injection.

Glaucoma and cortisone shots: What should you do?

We know that cortisone can increase pressure in your eye, leading to glaucoma. However, we think that this risk is minimal with a cortisone shot. Generally, if you have stable glaucoma, one cortisone shot is unlikely to cause problems. However, if in doubt, you should check with your eye specialist. However, acute vision loss is a rare side effect of a cortisone shot. We think cortisone increases the risk of a rare condition called central serous retinopathy. You must seek medical attention immediately if you develop sudden vision loss in the eye after a cortisone shot.

Can I get a cortisone shot while breastfeeding?

Yes. The amount of cortisone absorbed by your body after a local cortisone shot is small. Only a tiny fraction of systemic cortisone is excreted into breast milk. So, having a cortisone shot while breastfeeding is entirely safe.

Can a cortisone shot help bursitis?

Yes. Generally, bursitis forms secondary to tendonitis. For example, trochanteric bursitis in the hip is often secondary to hip tendonitis. A cortisone shot is helpful to reduce pain from bursitis, but it should always be combined with physical therapy to strengthen the hip tendons.

What happens when a cortisone shot hits a nerve?

If cortisone is injected directly into the nerve, it will cause intense burning pain, pins and needles, or numbness. This effect is usually temporary and settles within minutes. However, if the nerve is damaged, these symptoms can last from days to a few weeks. Generally, nerve damage does settle.

Do cortisone shots make you tired?

Having one cortisone injection is unlikely to make you tired. However, having two or three cortisone shots at once can temporarily shut down cortisone production by the adrenal gland, leading to a condition called Addison’s disease. This condition can lead to reduced energy and extreme fatigue, lasting a few weeks or longer. The risk of iatrogenic Addison’s disease is increased when using the more potent triamcinolone.

Are there alternatives to cortisone injections?