Patient Post-Injection Instructions – Sports Medicine
Each handout below is tailored for the specific injection type. Follow all instructions to ensure safe recovery and optimal outcomes. Contact your provider if you have questions or experience unusual symptoms.
1. Knee Steroid Injection
Purpose: Corticosteroid injection into the knee joint helps reduce inflammation and pain due to arthritis, meniscal injury, or other degenerative conditions.
Expected Response:
- Mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site for 24–48 hours.
- Pain relief may begin within 2–5 days but can take up to a week.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid high-impact activities such as running, jumping, or squatting for 48 hours.
- Gentle walking and light activities are acceptable.
- Elevate the leg when resting.
Pain Management:
- Apply an ice pack to the knee for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times a day as needed.
- Over-the-counter acetaminophen may be used unless otherwise instructed.
Call If You Experience:
- Redness, warmth, or significant swelling of the knee.
- Fever over 100.4°F.
- Persistent or worsening pain beyond 72 hours.
2. Knee Gel (Viscosupplement) Injection
Purpose: Injection of hyaluronic acid to lubricate the knee joint and improve mobility, commonly used for osteoarthritis.
Expected Response:
- Slight increase in joint stiffness or swelling for 24–72 hours.
- Maximum benefit may take up to 4 weeks.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid jogging, heavy lifting, or prolonged standing for 48 hours.
- Resume normal daily activities gradually.
Pain Management:
- Ice the knee if swelling or pain occurs.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications unless recommended.
Call If You Experience:
- Joint warmth, redness, or increasing pain.
- Difficulty bearing weight or significant fluid accumulation.
3. Knee Bursa Injection
Purpose: Corticosteroid injection to the prepatellar or pes anserine bursa to reduce localized inflammation.
Expected Response:
- Relief often begins within 2–3 days.
- Mild discomfort at the site is common.
Activity Instructions:
- Refrain from kneeling or deep bending of the knee for 48 hours.
- Gentle stretching and mobility exercises can be resumed gradually.
Pain Management:
- Apply ice to the injection area to reduce soreness.
Call If You Experience:
- Significant redness, drainage, or worsening discomfort.
- Signs of infection such as fever.
4. Shoulder GH Joint Steroid Injection
Purpose: To reduce inflammation within the glenohumeral joint, especially in arthritis or adhesive capsulitis.
Expected Response:
- Relief may start within 3–7 days.
- Mild soreness in the shoulder is normal.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid lifting, pushing, or overhead activity for 48 hours.
- Resume physical therapy or exercises as instructed.
Pain Management:
- Ice the shoulder for 15 minutes at a time, 2–3 times daily if needed.
Call If You Experience:
- Fever, chills, or worsening shoulder pain.
5. Shoulder Subacromial Bursa Injection
Purpose: Treats subacromial bursitis or shoulder impingement by reducing inflammation around the rotator cuff.
Expected Response:
- Pain may temporarily increase, then improve over 3–5 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid overhead movement or heavy lifting for 48 hours.
- Follow any prescribed rehabilitation plan.
Pain Management:
- Ice therapy and acetaminophen as needed.
Call If You Experience:
- Increased swelling, warmth, or discomfort in the shoulder.
6. Shoulder AC Joint Steroid Injection
Purpose: Used for inflammation or arthritis in the acromioclavicular joint.
Expected Response:
- Relief may take 2–5 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Limit lifting or cross-body movements for 48 hours.
- Resume normal use gradually based on comfort.
Pain Management:
- Apply cold packs and use pain medication as advised.
Call If You Experience:
- New or worsening pain, swelling, or redness.
7. Hip Greater Trochanter (GT) Bursa Injection
Purpose: Corticosteroid injection into the trochanteric bursa to alleviate lateral hip pain.
Expected Response:
- Local discomfort may last 1–2 days.
- Pain relief typically within 3–7 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid lying directly on the affected hip.
- Avoid prolonged standing or climbing for 48 hours.
Pain Management:
- Ice therapy and gentle hip stretches may help.
Call If You Experience:
- Worsening symptoms or signs of infection.
8. Hip Joint Steroid Injection
Purpose: Intra-articular injection for osteoarthritis or joint inflammation.
Expected Response:
- Soreness may increase briefly before pain improves.
- Full benefit may take up to a week.
Activity Instructions:
- Limit prolonged walking, running, or climbing for 1–2 days.
- Use assistive devices if recommended.
Pain Management:
- Ice and over-the-counter pain relief.
Call If You Experience:
- Fever, chills, or hip redness and swelling.
9. Thumb CMC Joint Injection
Purpose: Steroid injection for arthritis at the base of the thumb.
Expected Response:
- Localized soreness or bruising.
- Pain and stiffness should begin to improve in 3–5 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid pinching or gripping activities for 48 hours.
- Consider using a thumb splint if advised.
Pain Management:
- Ice therapy for swelling.
Call If You Experience:
- Redness, fever, or increasing thumb pain.
10. Trigger Finger Injection
Purpose: Corticosteroid injection to relieve tendon sheath inflammation and improve movement.
Expected Response:
- Finger may be sore for 1–2 days.
- Motion improvement usually starts within a few days.
Activity Instructions:
- Gently move the finger several times a day.
- Avoid forceful gripping or repetitive activity for 48 hours.
Call If You Experience:
- Persistent locking or swelling.
11. De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Injection
Purpose: Steroid injection around the thumb tendons to relieve inflammation and pain.
Expected Response:
- Tenderness may persist for 24–48 hours.
- Symptom relief expected in 3–5 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Rest the wrist and thumb for at least 48 hours.
- Use a wrist brace if recommended.
Pain Management:
- Ice the wrist periodically to reduce swelling.
Call If You Experience:
- Signs of infection or increasing pain.
12. Carpal Tunnel Injection
Purpose: Reduces inflammation of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel.
Expected Response:
- Some soreness may occur.
- Numbness or tingling may improve in a few days.
Activity Instructions:
- Limit repetitive wrist motion.
- Use a splint if instructed.
Call If You Experience:
- Increasing numbness or symptoms not improving.
13. Tennis Elbow Injection
Purpose: Steroid injection around the lateral epicondyle to reduce tendon inflammation.
Expected Response:
- Mild pain may occur for 1–2 days.
- Improvement usually seen within 3–7 days.
Activity Instructions:
- Avoid lifting or repetitive motion for 48 hours.
- Gradual return to activity based on pain level.
Pain Management:
- Ice therapy for relief.
Call If You Experience:
- Increasing pain, swelling, or warmth in the elbow.