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How Long Does Cortisone Shot Last? Cortisone shots are injections containing corticosteroids, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. These shots are commonly used to treat a range of medical conditions, including joint pain, arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis.  Corticosteroid medication can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected area.  But how long does a cortisone shot last? What are the potential downsides? Let’s take a closer look at this topic and learn more about this medical innovation. How Does Cortisone Work? Corticosteroid hormone is an artificial steroid that the body produces when stressed and pained. Before injecting the medication, your doctor will use x-rays or ultrasounds to help the shot get the correct angle. Cortisone shots work by reducing the inflammation that causes pain. When an injury to the joints is chronic or has been occurring for long periods, the human body does not produce sufficient steroid hormones to help reduce the pain.  Taking corticosterone injections into the thigh joint can also reduce pain and improve mobility. Cortisone shots may be given as a pain reliever for knee pain, neck pain, and hip pain.  How Often Can You Get Cortisone Shots? The frequency of cortisone injections will depend on the individual’s health condition and the severity of their symptoms. Generally, doctors recommend limiting cortisone shots to no more than three or four per year.  Doctors will also typically limit the dosage of the medication in each injection to reduce the risk of side effects and long-term complications. [Related: When To Get Neck Injections for Pain (And How to Prepare)] How Long Does a Cortisone Shot Stay In Your System? Typically, the effects of a cortisone shot can last for six weeks to six months. The length of period that a cortisone shot stays in the system can vary depending on the individual’s metabolism and the location of the injected area.  In some cases, the effects of the steroid injections may wear off more quickly, particularly if the injection was given in a joint that is subject to a lot of movement and degenerative changes like osteoarthritis.  While the effects of cortisone injections can provide significant relief from pain and inflammation, it is important to remember that the shot is not a cure for the underlying condition. It is advisable to work with your doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the underlying condition and provides long-term relief. Combining cortisone therapy with exercises recommended by your doctor can help alleviate pain better. Also, lifestyle factors like weight reduction, muscle strengthening, and wearing appropriate shoes might be helpful. Make sure to follow your physician’s recommendations to improve your overall health. What Is the Downside to a Cortisone Injection? While cortisone reduces inflammation and provides significant pain relief, they do come with some potential downsides.  One of the most significant downsides is that repeated cortisone shots can weaken tendons and cartilage if used excessively or improperly. This can increase the risk of injury and further damage to the affected area. Other potential downsides of cortisone shots include: Pain and discomfort at the injection siteIncreased risk of infectionChanges in skin color and textureElevated blood sugar levels in people with diabetesIncrease in blood pressure These side effects are relatively rare, and your doctor will do a full physical and medical analysis to ensure that your cortisone injections are administered safely. What Happens if a Cortisone Shot Doesn’t Work? If a cortisone shot does not provide the desired relief, several other treatment options may be considered. These may include the following: Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help strengthen the affected area and improve mobility, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are medications that can help reduce pain and inflammation. They are available over the counter and by prescription.Hyaluronic acid injections: Hyaluronic acid injections are a type of injection that can help improve the viscosity of the joint fluid, which can reduce pain and improve mobility.Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying condition and provide long-term relief. How Many Cortisone Shots Can You Have? In general, the amount of cortisone injections a person can receive is limited by the risk of side effects and tissue damage. It also depends on several factors, including the specific condition being treated, the location of the injection, and the individual’s response to the treatment. For most conditions, such as bursitis, tendinitis, or joint inflammation, a maximum of three to four injections per year is recommended. Repeated injections in the same area can lead to weakened or damaged tissues, increased risk of infection, and other potential complications. However, in some cases, such as severe joint pain or inflammation, your healthcare provider will recommend more frequent injections. It is important to discuss your situation with your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment plan and understand the potential risks and benefits of cortisone injections. What To Do After a Cortisone Shot (Post-procedure Guide) After receiving a cortisone shot, it is important to take certain steps to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Here are some post-procedure tips: Rest and avoid strenuous activity.Apply ice to the injection site.Take pain relievers as directed.Monitor for side effects like fever, chills, or any signs of infection.Follow up with your healthcare provider. Ready to Get Your Cortisone Shot? A cortisone injection can provide immediate pain relief for various medical conditions. If you have been dealing with neck pain, arthritis pain, and other chronic pain, VISP doctors can help treat inflammation and provide the right pain relief. We provide other medical services to bring you back to normal and pain-free life! Contact us today for more information about our services.

How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Last? Pinched nerves can be a real nuisance, causing pain and discomfort. They often arise from the body being in an awkward position for too long, or from repetitive movements that put a strain on the affected area.  Fortunately, most pinched nerves will resolve themselves over time, but it’s important to understand how long they last and what treatments are available.  So, how long does a pinched nerve last? Continue reading below to learn more and explore some of the common symptoms associated with this condition. What is a Pinched Nerve? Pinched nerves occur when nerves are compressed or irritated due to surrounding tissues. Pinched nerve pain is commonly caused by repetitive motions such as typing or working out with bad posture. Other causes could be degenerative diseases such as arthritis, bone spurs, tumors, or trauma from an injury. A lot of people are familiar with pain in the nerves associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by tingling, pain, numbness, and weak feeling in the hand. That is how a pinched nerve feels like, but it can occur in other parts of the body too. It can lead to chronic pain that can range from mild discomfort to intense stabbing sensations, and even permanent nerve damage. Depending on where the pinched nerve is located and the severity of the nerve compression, there are various treatments available for the relief of symptoms. Pinched Nerve in Neck A pinched nerve on the neck is a condition that occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve. This can occur from either physical trauma, such as a whiplash injury, or because of an underlying medical issue such as arthritis or spinal stenosis. As a result, this can cause pain and other symptoms in the neck and surrounding area.  The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the neck include: Neck painTingling sensation on arms down to handsNumbness in certain areas of arms or handsMuscle weakness and spasms Pinched Nerve in Hip Pinched nerves in the hip area occur when a nerve gets compressed or irritated, leading to radiating pain and numbness in the affected area. The most common cause of pinched nerves in the hip is arthritis, though it can also be due to direct injury or repetitive motion activities.  The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the hip include: Sharp pain that radiates down the leg and into the feetBurning sensation Numbness and tinglingMuscle weakness around the hip jointDecrease in range of motion on one side of your body compared to other sideDifficulty standing for long periods of time without experiencing discomfort Depending on where exactly within your body you have injured yourself, you may experience different levels and types of pain that will indicate what kind of treatment you might need. Pinched Nerve in Leg A pinched nerve in the leg can be a very painful and uncomfortable experience. It is caused by pressure on the nerve from surrounding tissues due to overuse or misalignment of muscles, tendons, or ligaments.  The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the legs include: PainTinglingBurning sensationNumbness that may travel down to the toes The good news is that pinched nerves in the legs are often treatable through non-surgical methods such as rest and physical therapy.  Home remedies like hot and cold compresses, massage therapy, stretching exercises, and anti-inflammatory medications may also help reduce symptoms associated with a pinched nerve in your leg. In more extreme cases, surgery may be necessary if other treatments fail to provide relief. Pinched Nerve in Shoulder A pinched nerve in the shoulder is a common injury that causes excruciating pain, discomfort, and limited movement. As the name implies, it occurs when one of the nerves in the shoulder area is compressed by surrounding ligaments, tendons, or bones. This compression can affect a person’s ability to move their shoulder freely and can impair their range of motion.  The most typical cause of this condition is overusing the shoulder muscles during physical activities like weight-lifting or sports like tennis or golf. Additionally, posture-related problems such as bad sitting habits and hunching over a desk for long periods of time are also known to contribute to pinched nerves in the shoulders.  The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the shoulders include: Localized tendernessTingling sensations radiating from arms down to fingertips Pinched Nerve in Lower Back A pinched nerve in the lower back is an extremely common but often painful condition that can occur due to inflammation and swelling of a nerve root. It is referred to as radiculopathy and occurs when the nerve roots in the spine become compressed or irritated.  The symptoms of a pinched nerve in the shoulders include: Sharp, shooting pain down one leg or arm Numbness Tingling sensations Difficulty moving certain parts of your body Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment may involve rest, physical therapy exercises, or oral medications.  In some cases, a pinched nerve in your lower back may require surgical intervention if non-surgical treatments do not provide relief. Surgery involves removing any material that might be compressing a nerve root like bone spurs or a herniated disc.  After surgery, you may need physical therapy to help strengthen muscles around the spine and improve flexibility in your lower back muscles. How Long Does a Pinched Nerve Last? Pinched nerves last from a few days to several weeks. The length of time depends on the severity of the injury, how it is treated, and the underlying cause of the pinched nerve. It is important to seek medical attention if your symptoms do not improve after a few days or if they get worse. Treatment Options Pinched nerves can be extremely painful and debilitating, making it difficult to go about daily activities. The good news is that there are a variety of treatment methods available for those suffering from pinched nerves. Physical Therapy The most common type of treatment for pinched nerves is physical therapy combined with exercise. Physical therapists can help identify the underlying causes, assess the severity of the condition, and work with patients to create an individualized rehabilitation plan that includes stretching and strengthening exercises aimed at relieving pressure on the nerve or improving mobility in affected areas.  Medications Medication can help heal a pinched nerve by reducing inflammation and providing pinched nerve pain relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.  Muscle relaxants may also be recommended to help reduce muscle spasms and tension in the affected area. In addition, physical therapy exercises may be prescribed to help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the affected nerve. Surgery Surgery can help heal a pinched nerve by removing any compressing structures, such as a herniated disc or bone spur. Surgery may also involve cutting away scar tissue that has built up around the nerve. In some cases, surgeons may need to decompress the nerve by making an incision in the surrounding tissue to create more space for it. Nerve Block Procedure A nerve block is a type of medical procedure in which a specific nerve or group of nerves is blocked from transmitting pain signals. This can be accomplished through the use of local anesthetics, which temporarily numbs the affected area, or through the injection of medication that blocks the nerve’s ability to transmit pain signals. Nerve blocks are often used to provide pain relief for a specific part of the body, such as during dental procedures or surgeries on a particular area of the body. They can also be used to diagnose the source of chronic pain. Other therapies Other therapies such as acupuncture, facet Injections​, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and even lifestyle changes like avoiding certain activities can also be beneficial for individuals suffering from pinched nerves. Don’t Let Pinched Nerves Limit You! Stop suffering from pinched nerves – get the relief you need now with a nerve block procedure! Don’t wait any longer to experience unparalleled results from our highly skilled doctors from VISP. Take command of your chronic pain today and let us help you get rid of your pinched nerve pains!