Injections

The cost of a cortisone injection depends on where the injection is going to be given. To see the price list for our services, click here

At your visit, the radiologist will disinfect the area to be injected. Using ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the radiologist positions the needle in the area to be treated and injects the medicine. A technician will place a bandage on the treated area; we recommend that you stay in the waiting room for 15 minutes afterwards.   

Relief is fairly quick. In many cases, there can be significant pain reduction after 3-4 days. Generally, the effects of an injection can be felt within 2 weeks and last for about 3-4 months.   

There are not many side effects or complications with a cortisone injection. Slightly higher blood sugar may be noticed within 2 weeks after the injection. In some cases, an injection into tissue below the skin may cause skin discoloration or atrophy, meaning thinning of the skin. This complication is generally reversible. Very rare complications include an allergic reaction to the product or a post-injection infection. Bleeding is possible but is usually minimal. There may be other complications, depending on the type of procedure.

We recommend that you rest for 1-2 weeks, depending on the procedure carried out. We also recommend that you not play sports or run for 1-2 weeks after the procedure.    

We recommend that you not take anti-inflammatory medicines (such as Advil or Naprosyn) within 2 weeks after the procedure. For any injection site pain, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 2 hours.  

We recommend that you wait at least 3 months between injections and that you not have more than 4 injections a year per injection site. 

You are able to drive after an injection. After an injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), we recommend you not drive, especially after an injection in your leg. For a PRP injection, patients are asked to bring somebody with them, if possible.  

We strongly recommend that you limit any physical effort after a cortisone injection. We recommend resting for 1-2 weeks, depending on the procedure, to optimize the injection’s effects and reduce any pain after the procedure.   

The known benefits depend on the type of injection received. For cortisone injections, benefits are felt for 3-4 months or longer. For injections with a viscosupplement or platelet-rich plasma, benefits may last up to 12 months.   

We recommend that you take a few days off before going back to work so the treatment can take full effect. The shoulder is a flexible joint, requiring a shorter recovery time than a fixed joint, like the knee.