A cortisone injection is a common medical procedure used to treat inflammation in the knee joint, often targeting conditions like osteoarthritis or chronic tendonitis. It delivers a corticosteroid, a potent anti-inflammatory medication, directly into the affected area to reduce swelling and pain. A local anesthetic is frequently included to offer immediate, temporary comfort. Careful management is required in the subsequent hours and days to ensure the medication is effective and to prevent undue stress on the treated joint.
Immediate Guidelines for Walking and Weight Bearing
Walking is generally permitted immediately after a cortisone injection, but it must be significantly limited for the first 24 to 48 hours. This reduced activity allows the medication to settle and concentrate within the joint space. Routine activities and movement around the house are acceptable, but strenuous activity that places excessive load on the knee must be avoided.
Specific restrictions include avoiding running, jogging, heavy lifting, or performing deep knee bends. If the local anesthetic causes temporary numbness or weakness, a physician may recommend using crutches or a cane to ensure stability and prevent a fall. Always adhere strictly to the instructions provided by the administering physician, as post-procedure protocols can vary.
The Expected Pain and Relief Timeline
The immediate sensation is often a swift reduction in pain due to the local anesthetic mixed with the corticosteroid. This numbing effect is temporary and typically wears off within a few hours. Once the anesthetic fades, it is common to experience a return of pain or a temporary worsening of discomfort.
This phenomenon, known as a “cortisone flare,” occurs in about 20% of patients and involves a temporary increase in pain, inflammation, and stiffness. The flare may begin 6 to 12 hours post-injection and usually subsides within 48 to 72 hours. The actual therapeutic effect of the corticosteroid, which provides long-term relief, generally begins once this flare passes, often taking three to seven days to fully manifest.
Resuming Activity After the Initial Recovery Window
Activity levels should be gradually increased starting around day three, after the initial potential for a cortisone flare has passed. The two-day period of modified rest ensures the medication is fully engaged within the knee. The focus shifts to a measured return to function, especially if the injection is part of a physical therapy plan.
Low-impact activities are ideal during this phase, promoting joint mobility without high-impact stress. Excellent choices for maintaining circulation and flexibility include gentle walking, swimming, or using a stationary bicycle. Distinguish between minor stiffness and sharp, immediate pain, which signals overexertion.
More demanding exercises, such as running, jumping, or intense weight training, should typically be postponed until at least one to two weeks after the injection. Progression must be slow, with careful monitoring of knee pain; stop immediately if sharp discomfort occurs.
Recognizing Signs of Serious Complications
While cortisone injections are generally safe, be aware of rare signs that indicate a serious complication requiring immediate medical attention. The most significant concern is a joint infection, which requires rapid treatment.
Symptoms of an infection include severe, rapidly increasing pain in the knee that is disproportionate to expected post-injection discomfort. Other warning signs include a fever or chills, spreading redness, warmth, or pus at the injection site. These symptoms are not part of a normal cortisone flare and should prompt an urgent call to your physician or a visit to the emergency room.
Additionally, any persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness extending beyond the immediate injection area that does not quickly resolve could signal potential nerve irritation, which should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional.