Injection Information and Instructions Cortisone and Supartz
The response to cortisone injections is variable and unpredictable. In order to give the medication a chance to reduce the inflammation, it is recommended that you take it easy for a day or so. The medicine in the injection has a local anesthetic like when you go to the Middle Village NY dentist and they inject your gums. It wears off in an hour or so. Don’t think that the injection did not work. It may take a few days for the cortisone to reduce the inflammation. If you are diabetic cortisone may increase your sugar, so it is advised to monitor your sugar more closely so you can adjust it accordingly for a few days following your injection.
The response to Supartz can take up to one month after the injections to show, and there is a 2/3 chance of success. The duration of relief varies from person to person. There is no local anesthetic in the injection. The medication syringes come pre-packaged and are used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. There is a small incidence of injection site pain which is usually mild and responds to rest and ice.
If you received an injection in your lower extremity then you ought not do any excessive walking, kneeling, squatting etc. for a few days or until you feel better. For injections into the shoulder or elbow, you should refrain from throwing, weight lifting, any repetitive or strenuous activities.
Sometimes you may get a “reaction” to the medicine that was injected. It is more of an irritation rather than a true allergy. It is suggested that you apply ice to the affected area 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. DO NOT APPLY THE ICE DIRECTLY TO THE SKIN. Use a thin layer (T-shirt, pillowcase, towel, etc.) to protect the skin from frostbite. If you do develop symptoms of a true allergy (hives, difficulty breathing, etc.) then you should go to the nearest emergency room. Should pain develop around the injection area, it is usually mild. You can try any of the following remedies:
- 2 Tylenol extra strength tablets every 4-6 hours
- 1-2 Aleve tablets twice a day
- 2-3 Advil tablets two to three times a day
* Do not take any of the above medicines if you are taking any blood thinners (Coumadin or Plavix) or if you have any bleeding tendencies, ulcers or acid reflux or are also taking any anti-inflammation medicines (arthritis pills) such as Motrin, Naprosyn, Celebrex etc.