Q&A

Can you get a cortisone shot after arthroscopic knee surgery?

Can you get a cortisone shot after arthroscopic knee surgery?

“Steroid injections should be avoided in the immediate 4 weeks following knee arthroscopy,” Brian C. Werner, MD, told Healio.com/Orthopedics.

Can I get a cortisone shot after meniscus surgery?

A cortisone shot can help decrease the inflammation and pain caused by a torn meniscus. A cortisone shot usually does not help in healing of the meniscus and, hence, does not improve any mechanical symptoms. If a meniscus is repairable, then a cortisone shot is not preferred as it may impair healing of the meniscus.

Why does my knee hurt worse after cortisone shot?

The corticosteroids in the injection are formulated as slow-release crystals to give you long-term pain relief. Pain relief usually lasts for several months. However, the presence of these crystals can irritate your joint, which is what creates the sensation of pain around the area of the shot.

How long will my knee hurt after arthroscopic surgery?

The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks. Tenderness around the wound sites up to four weeks. Muscle wasting in the thigh, improves as swelling and pain decrease.

How long after a cortisone shot can you have arthroscopic surgery?

Discussion: Our results suggest that TKA performed within four weeks of a corticosteroid injection may be associated with a higher risk of postoperative infection; however, delaying surgery more than four weeks may not provide additional infection risk reduction.

How soon after a cortisone shot can you have knee surgery?

Research is pretty clear: a period of at least seven months should pass between an injection into the knee and elective knee replacement surgery of the joint injected. Performing surgery on that knee within seven months of the injection may place you at higher risk for infection.

Why does my knee hurt after an injection?

A cortisone flare is the most common immediate side effect of a cortisone injection. Some people may notice a flare-up of pain in the joint for the first 24 hours after receiving the injection, although this is rare. The discomfort can often be managed by taking over-the-counter painkillers.

When can I walk normally after knee arthroscopy?

It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery. Rehabilitation to gain full ROM should occur within 1-2 weeks.

Is walking good after knee arthroscopy?

Avoid walking for long distances for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. 2. Continue to ice the knee to reduce pain and swelling.

Why do you have to wait 3 months after a cortisone injection to have surgery?

Background: Corticosteroid injections administered within 3 months before total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been linked to increased risk of postoperative infection.