What To Expect After A Steroid Injection
Immediate Effects
- You may feel temporary pain and soreness at the injection site.
- You may feel a temporary improvement in pain or symptoms from the local anesthetic.
Within 48 Hours
- Some patients have increased pain or tenderness at the injection site after the anesthetic is absorbed.
- Rarely, patients feel redness or swelling around the injection site.
- About 1% of patients feel flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, headache). This is normal and should slowly improve over the next 1-2 weeks.
Within Two Weeks
- It takes about 2 days for the steroid to begin to work and about 2 weeks for the full effect.
- By about 2 weeks, you should know the full effect of the steroid.
Other Considerations
- There are no specific physical limitations after an injection. You can progress activities slowly as pain allows.
- You may apply ice to the injection site for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day as needed.
- If needed and safe, it is reasonable to utilize over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDS and Tylenol.
- Call your doctor if you experience any severe pain, swelling, redness, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
Note: The specific effects of a steroid injection may vary depending on the type of steroid, the dosage, and the location of the injection. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and report any unusual symptoms.
