How Long Does It Take A Cortisone Injection To Start Working?
Cortisone shots are injections that can help relieve pain and inflammation in specific areas of the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, cortisone shots are made with a medication known as a corticosteroid, which is a type of anti-inflammatory drug that is often used to treat injuries and painful inflammatory conditions that affect the joints and tendons. As a result, most people get cortisone shots to reduce swelling and inflammation in the hips, knees, shoulders, spine, hands, and feet.
Believe it or not, cortisone shots are injected directly into the injured or affected area in order to relieve swelling in and around the joints (via Healthline). In addition, the shots are often preceded by a local anesthetic that works to help immediately start easing and numbing the pain. Cortisone shots are commonly used to help manage and alleviate symptoms of painful inflammatory conditions, like arthritis, bursitis, gout, back pain, sports injuries, and tendonitis.
Cortisone shots start working after a few days
Cortisone shots work to decrease inflammation in the body by reducing the level of molecules that can trigger inflammation in the first place. Since inflammation can irritate your nerves and cause pain, reducing inflammation can also reduce pain (via Healthline). But exactly how long does this relief take to work and how long can it last? As turns out, cortisone shots are fast-acting, which means that they can start to work almost immediately.
According to Verywell Health, inflammation can start to subside within just a few days, while pain should begin to improve anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after receiving the shot. Generally speaking, however, cortisone shots take about five days to kick in and can provide relief for up to several months. Depending on the severity of your pain and inflammation, it may take a bit longer to work. In fact, if your condition is chronic, you may need more than one shot.