How long does it take for a cortisone shot to work?

Chelsea everyone is different of course and I know you and everyone gets tired of us saying that but its unfortunately the truth. Some ppl get immediate relief just from the numbing meds in the injection if your Dr used them liberally and deep enough,others do not report much in the way of relief for at least 5 days to 10 given the steroids need time to kick in and relieve the inflammation process and speed up healing thru faster cell reproduction and there is the small percentage that reports seeing little to no relief. It is really too early to even begin to think if your going to be in that small percentage of people. Ice and heat alternating or one or the other whichever brings about the most relief for you and rest but dont refrain from using the knee as the meds are better dispersed when movement comes into play.

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Vickie
CHRONIC PAIN MODERATOR


Knowing when to walk away is WISDOM
Being able to is COURAGE

CF, I wouldn't necessarily start to worry yet. Like Vickie said, everyone responds differently. My Mum has recently had a series of cortisone injections in her shoulders for tendon/bursitis pain (she broke both arms up through the neck of the humerus a few months back) and she had quite profound relief within 24 hours. Opposite side of the coin...I've had injections in both my hip and shoulder and actually had an increase in pain for a week or two before the cortisone has really started to kick in.

Think opinion differs on what sort of activity to do after... I know both my GP & physio advised a couple of days rest after each injection before trying to return to normal exercises, but I've heard other people advised the total opposite.

Hope you get some relief soon.

Laura

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Moderator - Chronic Pain Forum

Full body CRPS, Dystonia, EDS, Dysautonomia (multiple issues) Osteoporosis, Fibromyalgia

SCS, Intrathecal Baclofen/Morphine pump, multiple oral meds - feel free to ask.

Injections are hit or miss. I've done over 200 injections, some work and some never did. I have a PM appointment today and I think I'm schedule for an injection too. I get them in my neck which doesn't hurt too much. It's the sound of the liquid going in that makes me cringe since the needle is right by my ear.

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Neck C5 Fusion Surgery and Migraine Sufferer. Need C4 & C6 Fusion Surgery soon.

I completely understand feeling discouraged, Chelsea - but my guess is that you won't be living with "this" pain forever. You may live with some degree of pain but your injury seems like it could be rehabbed.

Have you seen a sports medicine specialist? I hurt my hamstring once and was sidelined for like 2 months with unbelievable pain until I went to see a sports med doctor who was able to help me fully heal it in about 6 weeks.

I'm sorry you're so discouraged. It stinks.