You may also want to know if you might do anything to make this procedure more comfortable.
Cortisone shots can cause some pain, but it varies depending on where on your body they’re given.
It will also discuss ways to manage the injection pain.
Inside Creative House / Getty Images
Inside Creative House / Getty Images
How Painful Are Cortisone Shots?
Shots vary in the amount of discomfort they may cause.
Not surprisingly, larger needles tend to cause more pain than smaller ones.
What Happens When You Get a Cortisone Shot?
Cortisone is a powerful medication that may be injected directly into the area of your body experiencing discomfort.
Decreased inflammation often means decreased pain.
The shot appointment may take five to 30 minutes.
In the hours immediately after the shot, pain may seem to decrease.
This may be due to the numbing medication used during the injection.
Pain relief is usually felt about a week after the cortisone shot.
Can You Drive After a Cortisone Shot?
Speak to your healthcare provider to make a plan for your specific scenario.
Where Do Cortisone Shots Hurt the Most?
Certain cortisone injections will hurt more than others based on their location.
Injections into the palm of the hand and sole can be especially painful.
Injections tend to hurt most when the cortisone is delivered to a small space.
They may be able to reduce your discomfort.
They include:
Most side effects are not serious.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Infectionsare uncommon following a cortisone shot.
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