Understanding Cortisone Flares
Cortisone shots offer fast and lasting relief for many people with joint pain.
The shots are commonly injected into the shoulder, knee, wrist, or foot.
But not everyone has a good experience.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Some people have a reaction to acortisoneshot called a flare, sometimes called a “steroid flair.”
Verywell / Emily Roberts
What Causes a Cortisone Flare?
The flare, including symptoms such as pain and swelling, is an immune response.
What Are the Side Effects of a Cortisone Shot?
Your healthcare provider will likely inject a local anesthetic with the corticosteroid to quickly numb the pain.
The cortisone itself typically starts improving your symptoms after 57 days.
You may experience light swelling and redness around the place where you got the injectionapplying ice can help.
Problems with cortisone shots can range from mild to quite serious.
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider before a cortisone shot if you are taking these kinds of drugs.
Most people eventually feel less pain or no pain at all.
How is a Cortisone Flare Treated?
Call your healthcare provider, especially if you have a fever with these symptoms.
How Long Do Cortisone Flares Last?
That’s especially likely as the cortisone begins to work on the inflammation.
If your symptoms get worse despite ice and over-the-counter pain relief, double-check to call your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider can help to diagnose the reason.
This is called a cortisone flare reaction.
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